Current blocking element, current blocking element assembly, product having these mounted thereon, and current controlling method in product having these mounted thereon

ABSTRACT

A current blocking element is provided. The current blocking element includes a first electrode layer, an ion conductive layer, and a second electrode layer, which are laminated in this order, wherein the first electrode layer is configured to hold ions; the ion conductive layer has ionic conductivity and does not have electronic conductivity; and the second electrode layer is configured to hold ions. Ions held in the first electrode layer are moved to the second electrode layer when current is configured to flow between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer. Current flow between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer is blocked when ions held in one of the first and second electrode layers are depleted saturated.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of PCT patent application no.PCT/JP2017/033528, filed on Sep. 15, 2017, which claims priority toJapanese patent application no. JP2016-241101 filed on Dec. 13, 2016,the entire contents of which are being incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure generally relates to a current blocking element,a current blocking element assembly, a product having these mountedthereon, and a current controlling method in a product having thesemounted thereon.

A current integrating circuit is often used to predict the maintenancetime of an electronic apparatus or an electric apparatus (which mayhereafter be simply referred to as “electronic apparatus or the like” asa general term) or a lifetime or exchange time of a consumablecomponent, a consumable article, or an exchange component (which mayhereafter referred to as “consumable component or the like”) mounted onan electronic apparatus or the like.

In the meantime, the current integrating circuit is configured, forexample, from a current detection section using electromagnetic couplingsuch as a clamp meter, an amplification section for amplifying a signalobtained in the current detection section, an A/D conversion circuitsection for performing A/D conversion of the amplified signal, acalculation section for integrating the value converted to a digitalvalue, and a storage section for storing the calculation results.However, when such a configuration is adopted, the number of componentsis large, leading to increase in the costs. Also, when an attempt ismade to increase the precision, there is a need to use an A/D conversioncircuit section having a high quantization bit number, and this alsoinvites increase in the production costs. Accordingly, such a currentintegrating circuit is rarely mounted on a consumable component or thelike, and is typically mounted on the electronic apparatus or the like.

SUMMARY

Generally, a current integrating circuit for surmising the maintenancetime of an electronic apparatus or the like is preferably mounted on theelectronic apparatus or the like. On the other hand, a currentintegrating circuit for surmising the lifetime or exchange time of aconsumable component or the like is preferably mounted on the consumablecomponent or the like; however, in view of the production costs, it isdifficult to mount the current integrating circuit on the consumablecomponent or the like, so that the current integrating circuit is oftenmounted on the electronic apparatus or the like. However, when thecurrent integrating circuit is mounted on the electronic apparatus orthe like, two inconveniences described below are generated. That is, thefirst inconvenience is generated when the consumable component or thelike is not used up at a time. When the current integrating circuit hasa specification such that the integrated value is reset at the time ofdismounting or mounting the consumable component or the like, therearises a problem in that, when the consumable component or the like thatis in the midway of use is dismounted from the electronic apparatus orthe like and mounted again, the history of use of such a consumablecomponent or the like up till then is not reflected. In order to preventthis, there is a need to determine whether the consumable component orthe like is in the midway of use or not when the consumable component orthe like is exchanged. Also, when the consumable component or the likeis in the midway of use, there is a need to obtain the history of use uptill then. Further, in order to achieve this, there can be considered,for example, a method of imparting a serial number to each of theconsumable components or the like and perform management together withthe serial number in the electronic apparatus or the like. However, sucha method directly leads to increase in the costs.

The second inconvenience lies in that the risk of use of an unauthorizedconsumable component or the like is enhanced. There is also a problem inthat a current integrating circuit is not mounted on the unauthorizedconsumable component or the like itself, and the consumable component orthe like does not hold information corresponding to the lifetime orexchange time.

Accordingly, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a currentblocking element or a current blocking element assembly having a simplestructure and configuration and being producible at a low cost, aproduct having a current blocking element or a current blocking elementassembly mounted thereon, and a current controlling method in a producthaving a current blocking element or a current blocking element assemblymounted thereon.

According to an embodiment of the present technology, a current blockingelement is provided. The current blocking element of the presentdisclosure for achieving the aforementioned object includes:

a first electrode layer configured to hold ions;

an ion conductive layer having ionic conductivity and not havingelectronic conductivity; and

a second electrode layer configured to hold ions,

the first electrode layer, the ion conductive layer, and the secondelectrode layer being laminated in this order,

wherein ions held in the first electrode layer are moved to the secondelectrode layer when current is configured to flow between the firstelectrode layer and the second electrode layer; and

wherein current flow between the first electrode layer and the secondelectrode layer is blocked when ions held in one of the first and secondelectrode layers are depleted or saturated.

Here, when electric current is let to flow from the first electrodelayer via the ion conductive layer to the second electrode layer andwhen the moved ions are cations, the one electrode layer where thecations are depleted is the first electrode layer, and the otherelectrode layer where the cations are saturated is the second electrodelayer. On the other hand, when the moved ions are anions, the oneelectrode layer where the anions are depleted is the second electrodelayer, and the other electrode layer where the anions are saturated isthe first electrode layer. Also, when electric current is let to flowfrom the second electrode layer via the ion conductive layer to thefirst electrode layer and when the moved ions are cations, the oneelectrode layer where the cations are depleted is the second electrodelayer, and the other electrode layer where the cations are saturated isthe first electrode layer. On the other hand, when the moved ions areanions, the one electrode layer where the anions are depleted is thefirst electrode layer, and the other electrode layer where the anionsare saturated is the second electrode layer.

According to an embodiment of the present technology, a current blockingelement assembly is provided. The current blocking element assembly ofthe present disclosure for achieving the aforementioned object includesa first current blocking element and a second current blocking element.

the first current blocking element including:

a first-A electrode layer configured to hold ions;

a first ion conductive layer that is configured to conduct ions and doesnot have electronic conductivity; and

a second-A electrode layer configured to hold ions,

the first-A electrode layer, the first ion conductive layer, and thesecond-A electrode layer being laminated in this order,

the second current blocking element including:

a first-B electrode layer configured to hold ions;

a second ion conductive layer that is configured to conduct ions anddoes not have electronic conductivity; and

a second-B electrode layer configured to hold ions,

the first-B electrode layer, the second ion conductive layer, and thesecond-B electrode layer being laminated in this order,

wherein the second-A electrode layer and the second-B electrode layerare electrically connected;

wherein ions held in one of the electrode layers of the first currentblocking element are moved to the other one of the electrode layers ofthe first current blocking element when current is configured to flowbetween the first-A electrode layer and the first-B electrode layer; and

wherein current flow between the first-A electrode layer and thesecond-A electrode layer is blocked when ions held in one of the first-Aand second-A electrode layers of the first current blocking element aredepleted or saturated.

Here, when electric current is let to flow from the first-A electrodelayer via the second-A electrode layer and the second-B electrode layerto the first-B electrode layer and when the moved ions are cations, theone electrode layer where the cations are depleted is the first-Aelectrode layer or the second-B electrode layer, and the other electrodelayer where the cations are saturated is the second-A electrode layer orthe first-B electrode layer. On the other hand, when the moved ions areanions, the one electrode layer where the anions are depleted is thesecond-A electrode layer or the first-B electrode layer, and the otherelectrode layer where the anions are saturated is the first-A electrodelayer or the second-B electrode layer. Also, when electric current islet to flow from the first-B electrode layer via the second-B electrodelayer and the second-A electrode layer to the first-A electrode layerand when the moved ions are cations, the one electrode layer where thecations are depleted is the second-A electrode layer or the first-Belectrode layer, and the other electrode layer where the cations aresaturated is the first-A electrode layer or the second-B electrodelayer. On the other hand, when the moved ions are anions, the oneelectrode layer where the anions are depleted is the first-A electrodelayer or the second-B electrode layer, and the other electrode layerwhere the anions are saturated is the second-A electrode layer or thefirst-B electrode layer.

According to an embodiment of the present technology, a product having acurrent blocking element as described herein for achieving theaforementioned object is provided.

According to an embodiment of the present technology, a product having acurrent blocking element assembly as described herein for achieving theaforementioned object is provided.

According to an embodiment of the present technology, a currentcontrolling method in a product having a current blocking element asdescribed herein for achieving the aforementioned object is provided.

According to an embodiment of the present technology, a currentcontrolling method in a product having a current blocking elementassembly as described herein for achieving the aforementioned object isprovided.

The current blocking element of the present disclosure and the currentblocking element assembly of the present disclosure, or the producthaving the current blocking element of the present disclosure mountedthereon and the product having the current blocking element assembly ofthe present disclosure mounted thereon, the current controlling methodin the product having the current blocking element of the presentdisclosure mounted thereon, and the current blocking element or thecurrent blocking element assembly used in the current controlling methodin the product having the current blocking element assembly of thepresent disclosure mounted thereon, are formed by lamination of thefirst electrode layer, the ion conductive layer, and the secondelectrode layer in this order, or by connection of two units each formedby lamination of these in this order, and hence have a simple structureand configuration and can be produced at a low cost. Here, theadvantageous effects described in the present specification are merelyexemplifications and are not limitative, and other suitable propertiesrelating to the present technology may be realized and as furtherdescribed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIGS. 1A and 1B are a schematic sectional view of a current blockingelement and a conceptual view of a product having the current blockingelement mounted thereon, respectively, according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a view schematically showing a relationship between anintegrated amount of input current and output voltage in a currentblocking element and a view schematically showing the value of currentflowing in the inside of the current blocking element according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is an applied circuit diagram of a current mirror circuit.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are a schematic sectional view of a current blockingelement assembly and a conceptual view of a product having the currentblocking element assembly mounted thereon, respectively, according to anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a view schematically showing a relationship between anintegrated amount of current in a current blocking element assembly andvoltage output from the current blocking element assembly according toan embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is another applied circuit diagram of a current mirror circuit.

FIG. 7 is a model view of [type 1] among the four cases in total of thestates in which a current blocking element or a current blocking elementassembly is or is not incorporated in a product and is separated from oris incorporated in the product according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 8 is a model view of [type 2] among the four cases in total of thestates in which a current blocking element or a current blocking elementassembly is or is not incorporated in a product and is separated from oris incorporated in the product according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 9 is a model view of [type 3] among the four cases in total of thestates in which a current blocking element or a current blocking elementassembly is or is not incorporated in a product and is separated from oris incorporated in the product according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 10 is a model view of [type 4] among the four cases in total of thestates in which a current blocking element or a current blocking elementassembly is or is not incorporated in a product and is separated from oris incorporated in the product according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are a conceptual view and a circuit diagram of anelectric tooth brush in which a brush portion is an exchangeableconsumable component, respectively, according to an embodiment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a view showing a simulation result of an energizationexperiment under [condition-1] and [condition-2] using a circuitsimulator LTspice IV according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 13 is a view showing a simulation result of an energizationexperiment under [condition-3] and [condition-4] using a circuitsimulator LTspice IV according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 14 is a view showing a simulation result of an energizationexperiment under [condition-5] and [condition-6] using a circuitsimulator LTspice IV according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 15 is a view showing a simulation result of potential difference ina current blocking element using a circuit simulator LTspice IV andpotential difference in an actual current blocking element according toan embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 is an equivalent circuit diagram in an example in which thecurrent blocking element is applied to an ink jet printer ofpiezoelectric type as an example of [type 4] according to an embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIGS. 17A and 17B are an equivalent circuit diagram of an appliedexample in which the product becomes unusable when the integrated timeof the power on-state reaches about 24 hours and a graph showing arelationship between the integrated time of a power on-state in a maincircuit and potential difference in a current blocking element,respectively, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As described herein, the present disclosure will be described based onexamples with reference to the drawings, but the present disclosure isnot to be considered limited to the examples, and various numericalvalues and materials in the examples are considered by way of example.

Hereafter, the current blocking element of the present disclosure, thecurrent blocking element in the product having the current blockingelement of the present disclosure mounted thereon, and the currentblocking element used in the current controlling method in the producthaving the current blocking element of the present disclosure mountedthereon may be generally referred to as “current blocking elementaccording to the first mode of the present disclosure”. Also, thecurrent blocking element constituting the current blocking elementassembly of the present disclosure, the current blocking elementconstituting the current blocking element assembly in the product havingthe current blocking element assembly of the present disclosure mountedthereon, and the current blocking element constituting the currentblocking element assembly used in the current controlling method in theproduct having the current blocking element of the present disclosuremounted thereon may be generally referred to as “current blockingelement according to the second mode of the present disclosure”.Further, the phenomenon such that the ions held in an electrode layerare “depleted” refers to the phenomenon in which the ions are in a stateof being less than 1% in terms of capacity ratio, and the phenomenonsuch that the ions held in an electrode layer are “saturated” refers tothe phenomenon in which the ions are in a state of being 99% or more interms of capacity ratio. The same applies to the following descriptions.

In the current blocking elements according to the first to second modesof the present disclosure, the ion conductive layer may include a solidlayer. By configuring the ion conductive layer from a solid layer inthis manner, there is no fear of generating abnormality in the electrodelayer or in the current blocking element even when the ions held in oneelectrode layer are depleted or the ions held in the other electrodelayer are saturated, so that the stability and safety in using thecurrent blocking element or the current blocking element assembly can beensured, and the current blocking element or the current blockingelement assembly can be reduced in scale. Also, problems are hardlygenerated even when heat is applied to the current blocking element inproducing the current blocking element, the current blocking elementassembly, or the product.

In each of the current blocking elements according to the first tosecond modes of the present disclosure including the preferable modesdescribed above,

the ions may be lithium ions;

the first electrode layer, or the first-A electrode layer and thefirst-B electrode layer, may contain at least one kind of a substanceselected from the group consisting of metal lithium, a carbon compound,a tin compound, a silicon compound, and lithium titanate (Li₂TiO₃);

the second electrode layer, or the second-A electrode layer and thesecond-B electrode layer, may contain at least one kind of a substanceselected from the group consisting of lithium cobaltate (LiCoO₂),lithium manganate (LiMn₂O₄), and lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄); and

the ion conductive layer, or the ion conductive layer constituting thefirst current blocking element and the second current blocking element,may include a solid electrolyte layer having lithium ion conductivity(for example, having a hopping conductivity). Depending on the cases,the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer may furthercontain the materials constituting the solid electrolyte layer, and maystill further contain an electroconductive auxiliary agent(graphite-based highly conductive carbon, carbon nanotube-basedparticles such as represented by VGCF, and metal materials such as Ni,Al, Cu, and stainless steel-based metal).

In the materials constituting the first electrode layer, or the first-Aelectrode layer and the first-B electrode layer (these may hereafter begenerally referred to as “first electrode layer or the like”), specificexamples of the carbon compound include natural graphite, artificialgraphite, graphite including hard carbon, and cokes; specific examplesof the tin compound include tin (Sn), tin oxide (SnO_(x)), lithium tinoxide (Li_(x)SnO_(y)); and specific examples of the silicon compoundinclude silicon (Si), silicon oxide (SiO_(x)), and lithium silicon oxide(Li_(x)SiO_(y)). Further, specific examples of the solid electrolytelayer constituting the ion conductive layer include lithium super ionconductor (LISICON), sodium super ion conductor (NASICON) such as LATPand LAGP, beta iron sulfate type ion conductor, γ-Li₃PO₄ type oxygenacid salt (for example, LiM₂(PO₄)₃ and LIPON), NASICON type phosphate,perovskite type titanate such as LLT, and thio-LISICON type lithium ionconductor. Alternatively, the solid electrolyte layer constituting theion conductive layer can be obtained by acid-base reaction of aglass-forming compound (compound capable of being turned into glassalone, specific examples including SiO₂, B₂O₃, P₂O₅, P₂S₅, SiS₂, B₂S₃,GeS₂, Al₂O₃, GeO₂, La₂O₃, Y₂O₃, Ta₂O₅, Nb₂O₅, TiO₂, V₂O₅, WO₃, ZrO₂,SnO, ZnO, CaO, and BaO) and a modifying compound (compound that is notturned into glass alone but is turned into glass by being combined witha glass-forming compound, specific examples including LiO₂, Li₂S, Li₃N,and Na₂O), or may be an oxysulfide-based glass.

Alternatively, the first electrode layer or the like may be configuredfrom carbon doped with lithium (Li) in advance (C₆Li_(x)), and thesecond electrode layer, or the second-A electrode layer and the second-Belectrode layer (these may hereafter be generally referred to as “secondelectrode layer or the like”) may be configured from carbon that doesnot contain lithium (C₆). In other words, the base materialsconstituting the first electrode layer or the like and the secondelectrode layer or the like may be the same.

Alternatively, in each of the current blocking elements according to thefirst to second modes of the present disclosure including the preferablemodes described above,

the ions may be fluoride ions;

the first electrode layer, or the first-A electrode layer and thefirst-B electrode layer, may contain a metal fluoride;

the second electrode layer, or the second-A electrode layer and thesecond-B electrode layer, may contain a metal fluoride; and

the ion conductive layer, or the ion conductive layer constituting thefirst current blocking element and the second current blocking element,may include a solid electrolyte layer having fluoride ion conductivity(for example, see M. A. Reddy and F. Fichtner, “Battery Based onFluoride Shuttle”, Journal of Materials Chemistry 21(43), 2011,17059-17062.).

Examples of the metal fluoride contained in the first electrode layer orthe like include fluoride compounds having a tysonite type structure,specifically, a group of compounds obtained by partially substituting arare earth fluoride such as lanthanum fluoride (LaF₃), cerium fluoride(CeF₃), or neodymium fluoride (NdF₃), with a divalent fluoride such ascalcium fluoride (CaF₂), strontium fluoride (SrF₂), or barium fluoride(BaF₂). Also, specific examples of the metal fluoride contained in thesecond electrode layer or the like include copper fluoride (CuF₂),bismuth fluoride (BiF₃), tin fluoride (SnF₂), and potassium bismuthfluoride (KBiF₄). Further, examples of the solid electrolyte layerconstituting the ion conductive layer include fluoride compounds havinga tysonite type structure similar to the metal fluoride contained in thefirst electrode layer or the like, specifically, a group of compoundsobtained by partially substituting a rare earth fluoride such aslanthanum fluoride (LaF₃), cerium fluoride (CeF₃), or neodymium fluoride(NdF₃), with a divalent fluoride such as calcium fluoride (CaF₂),strontium fluoride (SrF₂), or barium fluoride (BaF₂).

In each of the current blocking elements of the present disclosureincluding the preferable modes and configurations described above,

the first electrode layer may be connected to one terminal of a currentcopy-side circuit constituting a current mirror circuit or a currentproportional circuit, and

the second electrode layer may be connected to the other terminal of thecurrent copy-side circuit constituting the current mirror circuit or thecurrent proportional circuit. Further, each of the current blockingelements according to the first mode of the present disclosure includingthe preferable modes and configurations described above may furtherinclude a diode for blocking the current flowing in a direction reverseto that of the current flowing between the first electrode layer and thesecond electrode layer, whereby the stability and safety in using thecurrent blocking element can be ensured. Specifically, the diode may be,for example, a Zener diode. By this, a reverse voltage exceeding thedielectric breakdown strength of the ion conductive layer, whichseparates between the first electrode layer and the second electrodelayer, can be prevented from being applied to the ion conductive layerwith certainty. In other words, a Zener diode that breaks down beforereaching this reverse voltage only needs to be connected in series. Thesame applies hereinafter.

In each of the current blocking element assemblies of the presentdisclosure including the preferable modes and configurations describedabove,

the first-A electrode layer may be connected to one terminal of acurrent copy-side circuit constituting a current mirror circuit or acurrent proportional circuit, and

the first-B electrode layer may be connected to the other terminal ofthe current copy-side circuit constituting the current mirror circuit orthe current proportional circuit.

In each of the products having the current blocking elements of thepresent disclosure including the preferable modes and configurationsdescribed above mounted thereon,

a current mirror circuit or a current proportional circuit may befurther provided;

a current reference-side circuit constituting the current mirror circuitor the current proportional circuit may be incorporated in the product;

the first electrode layer may be connected to one terminal of a currentcopy-side circuit constituting the current mirror circuit or the currentproportional circuit, and

the second electrode layer may be connected to the other terminal of thecurrent copy-side circuit constituting the current mirror circuit or thecurrent proportional circuit. Further, each of the products having thecurrent blocking elements of the present disclosure including thepreferable modes and configurations described above mounted thereon mayfurther include a diode for blocking the current flowing in a directionreverse to that of the current flowing between the first electrode layerand the second electrode layer, whereby the stability and safety inusing the current blocking element can be ensured. Specifically, thediode may be, for example, a Zener diode.

In each of the products having the current blocking element assembliesof the present disclosure including the preferable modes andconfigurations described above mounted thereon,

a current mirror circuit or a current proportional circuit may befurther provided;

a current reference-side circuit constituting the current mirror circuitor the current proportional circuit may be incorporated in the product;

the first-A electrode layer may be connected to one terminal of acurrent copy-side circuit constituting the current mirror circuit or thecurrent proportional circuit, and

the first-B electrode layer may be connected to the other terminal ofthe current copy-side circuit constituting the current mirror circuit orthe current proportional circuit.

In the current blocking element according to the second mode of thepresent disclosure, the second-A electrode layer and the second-Belectrode layer are electrically connected and, as a connection method,for example, the second-A electrode layer and the second-B electrodelayer only need to be disposed to oppose each other with a foil, a film,a sheet-shaped material, a plate-shaped material, a layer-shapedmaterial, or the like that is made of an electroconductive material(these may hereafter be generally referred to as “connection layer”)interposed therebetween. In other words, the current blocking elementassembly only needs to be configured from a lamination structure inwhich the first-A electrode layer, the ion conductive layer, thesecond-A electrode layer, the connection layer, the second-B electrodelayer, the ion conductive layer, and the first-B electrode layer arelaminated. Alternatively, two current blocking elements of the presentdisclosure may be prepared, and a current blocking element assembly maybe fabricated by electrically connecting the second electrode layerswith each other with an interconnect wiring or the like.

A storing member for storing the current blocking elements according tothe first to second modes of the present disclosure may be specifically,for example, a low-melting-point glass or an epoxy resin, oralternatively, a polymer-based covering material (for example,epoxy-based resin, polycarbonate-based resin, polybutylene terephthalateresin), an inorganic covering material (silicon nitride, SiO₂ [onegenerated from TEOS or the like and molded into a thin film shape]), ora lamination structure of these materials. In order to connect the firstelectrode layer, first-A electrode layer, first-B electrode layer, andsecond electrode layer to an external circuit or various circuitsprovided in the products, a connection layer made of a metal material oran alloy material such as platinum (Pt), silver (Ag), gold (Au), nickel(Ni), tin (Sn), aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), or stainless steel;glass-form carbon; graphite; copper plated with platinum or kovar platedwith platinum; Ni plated layer/Sn plated layer or various solder layers,or a connection layer made of a lamination structure of these materials,may be disposed on these electrode layers. Alternatively, the connectionlayer may be, for example, a sintered product of fine particles made ofthese metal materials. Here, examples of auxiliary agents (specifically,glass materials that can be sintered) for obtaining the sinteredproducts made of these metal particles include SiO₂, B₂O₃, Bi₂O₃, V₂O₅,P₂O₅, and Pb₂O₃.

The following products can be exemplified as the product having thecurrent blocking element of the present disclosure mounted thereon orthe product having the current blocking element assembly of the presentdisclosure mounted thereon; however, the present disclosure is notlimited to these products and can be applied to all types of consumablearticle business that adopts a so-called Gillette model, producingeffects of prompting use of the authorized consumable components.

In a product such as a printer provided with an ink tank or a tonercartridge, an electric current having a correlation with the amount ofuse of ink or toner is let to flow through the current blocking elementof the present disclosure or the current blocking element assembly ofthe present disclosure (which may hereafter referred to as “currentblocking element or the like of the present disclosure”). The currentblocking element or the like of the present disclosure is provided inthe ink tank or toner cartridge. When the ink or toner is used up, thecurrent blocking element or the like of the present disclosure isbrought into a blocked state and, even when a user loads the ink tank ortoner cartridge with an unauthorized ink or toner, the user cannot usethe printer, ink tank, or toner cartridge. This can prevent withcertainty the unexpected disorder or inconvenience caused by use of theunauthorized ink or toner.

In a product such as a water purifier provided with a filter cartridge,an electric current having a correlation with the amount of waterflowing through the water purifier or the period of time of using thewater purifier is let to flow through the current blocking element orthe like of the present disclosure. The current blocking element or thelike of the present disclosure is provided in the filter cartridge. Whena predetermined amount of water flows or when a predetermined period oftime of using the water purifier passes, the current blocking element orthe like of the present disclosure is brought into a blocked state, andthe user can no longer use the water purifier or filter cartridge. Thiscan prevent with certainty the unexpected disorder or inconveniencederiving from continuous use of the water purifier or filter cartridgeby the user in a state in which a desired effect cannot be obtained.

In a product such as an air purifier provided with a filter, an electriccurrent having a correlation with the amount of air flowing through theair purifier or the period of time of using the air purifier is let toflow through the current blocking element or the like of the presentdisclosure. The current blocking element or the like of the presentdisclosure is provided in the filter. When a predetermined amount of airflows or when a predetermined period of time of using the air purifierpasses, the current blocking element or the like of the presentdisclosure is brought into a blocked state, and the user can no longeruse the air purifier or filter. This can prevent with certainty theunexpected disorder or inconvenience deriving from continuous use of theair purifier or filter by the user in a state in which a desired effectcannot be obtained.

In a product such as a pack type cleaner provided with a dust collectionpack, an electric current having a correlation with the amount of airthat the pack type cleaner sucks in or the period of time of using thepack type cleaner is let to flow through the current blocking element orthe like of the present disclosure. The current blocking element or thelike of the present disclosure is provided in the dust collection pack.When a predetermined amount of air is sucked in or when a predeterminedperiod of time of using the pack type cleaner passes, the currentblocking element or the like of the present disclosure is brought into ablocked state, and the user can no longer use the pack type cleaner ordust collection pack. This can prevent with certainty the unexpecteddisorder or inconvenience deriving from continuous use of the pack typecleaner or dust collection pack by the user in a state in which adesired effect cannot be obtained.

In a product such as an electric tooth brush provided with a replaceablebrush part, an electric current having a correlation with the drivingcurrent or driving time of the replaceable brush part is let to flowthrough the current blocking element or the like of the presentdisclosure. The current blocking element or the like of the presentdisclosure is provided in the replaceable brush part. When apredetermined amount of driving current flows or when a predetermineddriving time passes, the current blocking element or the like of thepresent disclosure is brought into a blocked state, and the user can nolonger use the electric tooth brush or replaceable brush part. This canprevent with certainty the unexpected disorder or inconvenience derivingfrom continuous use of the electric tooth brush or replaceable brushpart by the user in a state in which a desired effect cannot beobtained.

In a product such as an electric shaver provided with a replaceableshaving part, an electric current having a correlation with the drivingcurrent or driving time of the replaceable shaving part is let to flowthrough the current blocking element or the like of the presentdisclosure. The current blocking element or the like of the presentdisclosure is provided in the replaceable shaving part. When apredetermined amount of driving current flows or when a predetermineddriving time passes, the current blocking element or the like of thepresent disclosure is brought into a blocked state, and the user can nolonger use the electric shaver or replaceable shaving part. This canprevent with certainty the unexpected disorder or inconvenience derivingfrom continuous use of the electric shaver or replaceable shaving partby the user in a state in which a desired effect cannot be obtained.

In a product such as a water server provided with a replaceable tank, anelectric current having a correlation with the amount of water ejectedfrom the replaceable tank is let to flow through the current blockingelement or the like of the present disclosure. The current blockingelement or the like of the present disclosure is provided in thereplaceable tank. When the water in the replaceable tank is used up, thecurrent blocking element or the like of the present disclosure isbrought into a blocked state, and the user can no longer use the waterserver or replaceable tank. By this, even when the user fills thereplaceable tank with tap water or water made by a third party, the usercannot use the water server or replaceable tank, and unexpected disorderor inconvenience caused by use of unauthorized water can be preventedwith certainty.

In a product such as a reaper provided with a replaceable blade part, anelectric current having a correlation with the driving current ordriving time of the replaceable blade part is let to flow through thecurrent blocking element or the like of the present disclosure. Thecurrent blocking element or the like of the present disclosure isprovided in the replaceable blade part. When a predetermined amount ofdriving current flows or when a predetermined driving time passes, thecurrent blocking element or the like of the present disclosure isbrought into a blocked state, and the user can no longer use the reaperor replaceable blade part. This can prevent with certainty theunexpected disorder or inconvenience deriving from continuous use of thereaper or replaceable blade part by the user in a state in which adesired effect cannot be obtained.

In products such as various vehicles provided with a storage battery, anelectric current that accords with the number of charging anddischarging times is let to flow through the current blocking element orthe like of the present disclosure. The current blocking element or thelike of the present disclosure is provided in the storage battery. Whencharging and discharging are repeated for a prescribed number of timesor more, the current blocking element or the like of the presentdisclosure is brought into a blocked state, and the user can no longeruse the various vehicles or storage battery. This can prevent withcertainty the unexpected disorder or inconvenience deriving fromcontinuous use of the various vehicles or storage battery by the user ina state in which a desired effect cannot be obtained.

In a product such as a portable game machine or portable media playerprovided with a replaceable storage battery, an electric current thataccords with the number of charging and discharging times is let to flowthrough the current blocking element or the like of the presentdisclosure. The current blocking element or the like of the presentdisclosure is provided in the replaceable storage battery. When chargingand discharging are repeated for a prescribed number of times or more,the current blocking element or the like of the present disclosure isbrought into a blocked state, and the user can no longer use theportable game machine, portable media player, or the like, or thereplaceable storage battery. This can prevent with certainty theunexpected disorder or inconvenience deriving from continuous use of theportable game machine, portable media player, or the like, or thedeteriorated replaceable storage battery by the user.

In a product such as an apparatus driven by a dry battery in whichliquid leakage is by no means allowable, an electric current that isproportional to the discharging current of the dry battery is let toflow through the current blocking element or the like of the presentdisclosure. The current blocking element or the like of the presentdisclosure is provided in the dry battery. By over discharge, gas isgenerated in the inside of the dry battery to cause rise in the internalpressure of the dry battery, and may invite liquid leakage in somecases. Before such over discharge is reached, that is, when apredetermined amount of electric current flows, the current blockingelement or the like of the present disclosure is brought into a blockedstate, and the user can no longer use the apparatus. This prevents theover discharge of the dry battery and can prevent the generation ofliquid leakage with certainty.

Example 1

Example 1 relates to a current blocking element of the presentdisclosure, a product having the current blocking element of the presentdisclosure mounted thereon, and a current controlling method in theproduct having the current blocking element of the present disclosuremounted thereon.

Referring to the schematic sectional view of FIG. 1A, a current blockingelement 11 of Example 1 includes:

a first electrode layer 21 being capable of holding ions as they are, orin a reduced state, or in an oxidized state;

an ion conductive layer 23 having ionic conductivity and not havingelectronic conductivity; and

a second electrode layer 22 being capable of holding ions as they are,or in a reduced state, or in an oxidized state,

the first electrode layer 21, the ion conductive layer 23, and thesecond electrode layer 22 being laminated in this order. Further, ascurrent is let to flow between the first electrode layer 21 and thesecond electrode layer 22, ions held in one of the electrode layers aremoved to the other one of the electrode layers; and, when ions held inone of the electrode layers are depleted or ions held in the other oneof the electrode layers are saturated, current flow between the firstelectrode layer 21 and the second electrode layer 22 is blocked. Inother words, when an integrated value of the electric current flowingwithin the current blocking element 11 exceeds a threshold value, theelectric current is blocked.

Also, referring to the conceptual view of FIG. 1B, in a product 10having the current blocking element 11 of Example 1 mounted thereon, ascurrent is let to flow between the first electrode layer 21 and thesecond electrode layer 22 based on the electric current in the product10 (electric current flowing in a predetermined region of the product10), ions held in one of the electrode layers are moved to the other oneof the electrode layers; and, when ions held in one of the electrodelayers are depleted or ions held in the other one of the electrodelayers are saturated, current flow in the product 10 is blocked.

Further, in the current controlling method in the product 10 having thecurrent blocking element 11 of Example 1 mounted thereon, as current islet to flow between the first electrode layer 21 and the secondelectrode layer 22 based on the electric current in the product 10(electric current flowing in a predetermined region of the product 10),ions held in one of the electrode layers are moved to the other one ofthe electrode layers; and, when ions held in one of the electrode layersare depleted or ions held in the other one of the electrode layers aresaturated, current flow in the product 10 is blocked.

Here, in Example 1, electric current is let to flow from the firstelectrode layer 21 via the ion conductive layer 23 to the secondelectrode layer 22. Therefore, the one electrode layer where the ionsare depleted is the first electrode layer 21, and the other electrodelayer where the ions are saturated is the second electrode layer 22.However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, so that electriccurrent may be let to flow from the second electrode layer via the ionconductive layer to the first electrode layer and, in this case, the oneelectrode layer where the ions are depleted is the second electrodelayer 22, and the other electrode layer where the ions are saturated isthe first electrode layer 21.

In the current blocking element 11 of Example 1, the ion conductivelayer 23 includes a solid layer. Further,

the ions are lithium ions;

the first electrode layer 21 contains at least one kind of a substanceselected from the group consisting of metal lithium, a carbon compound,a tin compound, and lithium titanate;

the second electrode layer 22 contains at least one kind of a substanceselected from the group consisting of lithium cobaltate, lithiummanganate, and lithium iron phosphate; and

the ion conductive layer includes a solid electrolyte layer havinglithium ion conductivity (for example, having a hopping conductivity).

Specifically, the first electrode layer 21 is made of a carbon compound,more specifically graphite; the second electrode layer 22 is made oflithium cobaltate (LiCoO₂); and the ion conductive layer is made of aglass electrolyte containing lithium (Li), boron (B), and silicon (Si).Also, the current blocking element 11 is stored in a storing member 24made of a low-melting-point glass, epoxy resin, or the like. In order toconnect the first electrode layer 21 and the second electrode layer 22to an external circuit or to the product 10, connecting sections 25, 26made, for example, of platinum (Pt) and electrically connected to thefirst electrode layer 21 and the second electrode layer 22(specifically, formed on the first electrode layer 21 and the secondelectrode layer 22) are exposed from the storing member 24.

For example, there is typically a correlation of a certain kind (forexample, a proportional relationship) between an amount of consumptionof a certain kind in the product 10 such as a consumable component, aconsumable article, or a replaceable component and an integrated amountof electric current flowing through the product 10. For example, in aproduct 10 such as a printer provided with an ink tank or tonercartridge, an electric current having correlation to the amount of useof ink or toner is let to flow through the current blocking element 11of Example 1. Accordingly, a current mirror circuit or currentproportional circuit 40 is constructed so that an electric currentproportional to the electric current flowing through the product 10 mayflow through the current blocking element 11. In other words, in thecurrent blocking element 11 of Example 1,

the first electrode layer 21 is connected to one terminal of a currentcopy-side circuit 42 constituting the current mirror circuit or currentproportional circuit 40, and

the second electrode layer 22 is connected to the other terminal of thecurrent copy-side circuit 42 constituting the current mirror circuit orcurrent proportional circuit 40. Also, the current blocking element 11of Example 1 is further provided with a diode 50 for blocking thecurrent flowing in a direction reverse to that of the current flowingbetween the first electrode layer 21 and the second electrode layer 22,specifically a Zener diode connected in series.

Also, in the product 10 having the current blocking element 11 ofExample 1 mounted thereon,

a current mirror circuit or current proportional circuit 40 is furtherprovided;

a current reference-side circuit 41 constituting the current mirrorcircuit or current proportional circuit 40 is incorporated in theproduct 10;

the first electrode layer 21 is connected to one terminal of a currentcopy-side circuit 42 constituting the current mirror circuit or currentproportional circuit 40; and

the second electrode layer 22 is connected to the other terminal of thecurrent copy-side circuit 42 constituting the current mirror circuit orcurrent proportional circuit 40. Also, the product is further providedwith a diode 50 for blocking the current flowing in a direction reverseto that of the current flowing between the first electrode layer 21 andthe second electrode layer 22, specifically a Zener diode.

The current blocking element 11 of Example 1 can be fabricated, forexample, by the following method.

In fabricating the ion conductive layer 23, a powder of glasselectrolyte having a composition with a molar fraction ofLi₂O:B₂O₃:SiO₂=54:11:35was prepared. Further, 16 gram of a butyl acetate dispersion liquid towhich 10 gram of the powder of glass electrolyte and 10 mass % of anacrylic binder had been added, 1.6 gram of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalateas a plasticizer, and 15 gram of butyl acetate as an additional solventwere mixed to obtain an electrolyte slurry. Further, this electrolyteslurry was applied onto a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) base materialto a predetermined thickness with use of a bar coater. Subsequently, onthe coated film after application, removal of the solvent was carriedout for about one hour with use of a drying furnace heated to 80° C.Thus, a green sheet of glass electrolyte was obtained.

In fabricating the first electrode layer 21, the following materialswere weighed and stirred, so as to prepare a slurry for the firstelectrode layer. Here, a glass binder material is made of the aboveLi₂O/B₂O₃SiO₂. Also, in fabricating the second electrode layer 22, thefollowing materials were weighed and stirred, so as to prepare a slurryfor the second electrode layer.

<Slurry for the first electrode layer>

graphite: 3.00 gram

glass binder material: 3.00 gram

thickening agent made of an acrylic binder: 1.07 gram

solvent made of terpineol: 6.25 gram

<Slurry for the second electrode layer>

LiCoO₂: 3.00 gram

glass binder material: 3.00 gram

thickening agent made of an acrylic binder: 1.07 gram

solvent made of terpineol: 6.25 gram

Further, the slurry for the first electrode layer was applied onto onesurface of the green sheet of glass electrolyte on the basis of thescreen printing method, and the slurry for the second electrode layerwas applied onto the other surface on the basis of the screen printingmethod. Alternatively, the slurry for the first electrode layer may beapplied onto a PET base material to a predetermined thickness with useof a bar coater and dried to obtain a green sheet for the firstelectrode layer, and the slurry for the second electrode layer may beapplied onto a PET base material to a predetermined thickness with useof a bar coater and dried to obtain a green sheet for the secondelectrode layer. Further, the green sheet for the first electrode layer,the green sheet of glass electrolyte, and the green sheet for the secondelectrode layer may be superposed. Further, for example, after theresultant was left to stand quietly for about 10 hours in a firingfurnace heated to 320° C. to remove the organic substances such as thebinder and the plasticizer, the resultant was fired for 10 minutes at atemperature of 400° C. to 420° C., so as to soften and sinter theelectrolyte. Subsequently, on the basis of the sputtering method, aconnecting section 25 made of a platinum (Pt) layer was formed on thefirst electrode layer 21 and, on the basis of the sputtering method, aconnecting section 26 made of a platinum (Pt) layer was formed on thesecond electrode layer 22. Thus, the current blocking element 11 ofExample 1 was obtained. Further, the obtained current blocking element11 was stored into the storing member 24.

Before starting use of the current blocking element 11 (initial state),the first electrode layer 21 is in a state in which ions are held, andthe second electrode layer 22 is in a state in which ions are not held(or, depending on the cases, a state in which ions are held a little orto a certain extent by the second electrode layer 22). Here, the firstelectrode layer 21 may hold ions in a saturated state or may hold ionsin an unsaturated state. The second electrode layer 22 may be in a statein which ions are depleted or in a state in which the ions are held andnot depleted. In a lithium ion type all solid secondary battery, this iswhat may be called a charged state in which lithium is contained in anegative electrode corresponding to the first electrode layer 21, andthe value of x is larger than 0 when, for example, the content isexpressed as C₆Li_(x). Specifically, for example, in Li_(y)CoO₂constituting the second electrode layer 22, Li is in a state of beingdeficient (the value of y is less than 1), and the deficient amount ofLi is in a state of being present between graphite layers constitutingthe first electrode layer 21. By controlling the saturated state of ionsbefore the start of use (initial state), a threshold value of thecurrent flowing within the current blocking element 11 can becontrolled. Here, when the integrated value of the current flowingwithin the current blocking element 11 exceeds the threshold value, thecurrent flowing in the current blocking element 11 is automaticallyblocked.

Assuming that the one electrode layer in which ions are depleted is thefirst electrode layer 21 and that the other electrode layer in whichions are saturated is the second electrode layer 22, it is sufficient tolet the electric current flow from the second electrode layer 22 via theion conductive layer 23 to the first electrode layer 21 and let thefirst electrode layer 21 hold the ions in order to obtain theaforementioned initial state. This operation corresponds to charging ina lithium ion type all solid secondary battery. Depending on the cases,the first electrode layer 21 in which ions are held in a saturated stateor in an unsaturated state and the second electrode layer 22 in whichions are depleted or held in an unsaturated state may be prepared inadvance, and the current blocking element 11 may be produced by usingthese electrode layers.

Further, during the operation of the current blocking element 11,electric current is let to flow from the first electrode layer 21 viathe ion conductive layer 23 to the second electrode layer 22. In otherwords, an electric current that is, for example, proportional to thestate of use of the product 10 such as a consumable component is let toflow from the first electrode layer 21 via the ion conductive layer 23to the second electrode layer 22. This operation moves the lithium ionsfrom the first electrode layer 21 via the ion conductive layer 23 to thesecond electrode layer 22. Such a state is similar to a discharged statein a lithium ion type all solid secondary battery. In a conventionallithium ion type all solid secondary battery, the electric current needsto be stopped before an overly discharged state is attained. However, inthe current blocking element 11 of Example 1, use can be continued untilafter the overly discharged state is attained, unlike the conventionallithium ion type all solid secondary battery.

Further, when the ions held in one electrode layer (specifically, thefirst electrode layer 21) are depleted or when the ions held in theother electrode layer (specifically, the second electrode layer 22) aresaturated, that is, when the lithium ions can no longer be moved fromthe first electrode layer 21 via the ion conductive layer 23 to thesecond electrode layer 22 (when a completely discharged state with thevoltage being 0 is attained, as stated in terms of a conventionallithium ion type all solid secondary battery), or in still other words,when the integrated value of the current flowing within the currentblocking element 11 exceeds the threshold value, the lithium ionsserving as a carrier of electric charge are no longer present. As aresult of this, the electric current can no longer be let to flow in thecurrent blocking element 11, whereby an insulated state is attained, oralternatively, the internal resistance of the current blocking element11 rises suddenly and rapidly, and the electric current is automaticallyblocked. However, as described above, the phenomenon such that the ionsheld in an electrode layer are “depleted” refers to the phenomenon inwhich the ions are in a state of being less than 1% in terms of capacityratio, and the phenomenon such that the ions held in an electrode layerare “saturated” refers to the phenomenon in which the ions are in astate of being 99% or more in terms of capacity ratio. Accordingly,widely speaking, when an almost completely discharged state with thevoltage (potential difference) being almost 0 is attained (for example,when the voltage (potential difference) comes to be about 1.2 volt orless in a current blocking element 11 having a structure similar to thatof an LCO/graphite-based lithium ion battery having a practical-usevoltage range of about 3 volt to 4.3 volt), the electric current can nolonger be let to flow in the current blocking element 11, whereby aninsulated state is attained, or alternatively, the internal resistanceof the current blocking element 11 rises suddenly and rapidly, and theelectric current is automatically blocked. Here, FIG. 2 schematicallyshows a relationship between the integrated amount of electric currentthat is input from the current input terminal shown in FIG. 1B and thevoltage output from the voltage output terminal that outputs the voltagefrom the current blocking element 11. In FIG. 2, the solid line showsthis relationship. Also, the dotted line schematically shows the valueof electric current flowing in the inside of the current blockingelement 11.

In order to detect the insulated state or the sudden and rapid rise inthe internal resistance of the current blocking element 11, it issufficient that, for example, one comparator circuit is present.Further, the electric current flowing in the product 10 is blocked onthe basis of an output from the comparator circuit. Such a configurationcan be constructed at an outstandingly lower cost and in a moreconvenient manner than a conventional current integrating circuit thatneeds an amplifier section, an A/D conversion circuit section, anoperation section, a storage section, and the like. Accordingly, thecurrent blocking element 11 can be mounted on a consumable component orthe like.

Here, in the above description, comparison with the operation of alithium ion type all solid secondary battery has been made; however, thecurrent blocking element 11 of the present disclosure is not an energydevice (secondary battery) but is inherently a current blocking element(current integrating element). For this reason, there is no need togenerate an electromotive force between the first electrode layer 21 andthe second electrode layer 22. Accordingly, the first electrode layer 21may be configured from carbon doped with lithium (Li) in advance(C₆Li_(x)), and the second electrode layer 22 may be configured fromcarbon (C₆) that does not contain lithium. In other words, the basematerials constituting the first electrode layer 21 and the secondelectrode layer 22 may be the same. Also, since the current blockingelement 11 of the present disclosure is not used as an energy device(secondary battery), the cycle characteristics can be ignored as well.Here, since the ion conductive layer 23 is made of a solid layer, thecurrent blocking element 11 can be continuously used safely and stablyuntil the ions held in one electrode layer (specifically, the firstelectrode layer 21) are depleted or the ions held in the other electrodelayer (specifically, the second electrode layer 22) are saturated.

As described above, the configuration and structure of the currentblocking element 11 of Example 1 are similar to the configuration andstructure of a lithium ion type all solid secondary battery. However,unlike the conventional lithium ion type all solid secondary battery,the current blocking element 11 of Example 1 operates, as it were, as anover discharge preventing circuit. In a lithium ion type all solidsecondary battery, an operation such as maintaining a discharged stateuntil the electrolyte layer separating between the negative electrodeand the positive electrode exceeds the dielectric breakdown strength, isnot adopted. However, in the current blocking element 11 of Example 1,an operation such as letting the electric current flow from the firstelectrode layer 21 via the ion conductive layer 23 to the secondelectrode layer 22 until the ions held in one electrode layer(specifically, the first electrode layer 21) are depleted or the ionsheld in the other electrode layer (specifically, the second electrodelayer 22) are saturated, that is, until the integrated value of electriccurrent flowing within the current blocking element 11 exceeds thethreshold value, is continued within a range such that the ionconductive layer 23 separating between the first electrode layer 21 andthe second electrode layer 22 does not exceed the dielectric breakdownstrength. Here, when the ions held in one electrode layer are depletedor when the ions held in the other electrode layer are saturated, thatis, when the integrated value of electric current flowing within thecurrent blocking element 11 exceeds the threshold value, the flow ofelectric current from the first electrode layer 21 via the ionconductive layer 23 to the second electrode layer 22 is blocked. In thismanner, the current blocking element 11 of Example 1 is a currentblocking element of current integrated value sensitive type.

Further, by making most of the characteristics such that the currentblocking element 11 of the present disclosure has a higher energydensity and a smaller amount of self-discharging than a conventionalcapacitor and hence has a capability of measuring the integrated valueof electric current at a high precision, the configuration and structuresimilar to those of a lithium ion type all solid secondary battery areused not as an energy device but as a current blocking element (currentintegrating element). Further, since the current blocking element 11captures the phenomenon such that the ions held in one electrode layerare depleted or the phenomenon such that the ions held in the otherelectrode layer are saturated, and does not capture a phenomenon suchthat the ions held in one electrode layer come close to being depletedor a phenomenon such that the ions held in the other electrode layercome close to being saturated, stable operation of the current blockingelement can be ensured. Also, the temperature dependency of theoperation of the current blocking element is small.

Further, since the current blocking element is formed by lamination ofthe first electrode layer, the ion conductive layer, and the secondelectrode layer in this order, the current blocking element has a simplestructure and configuration and hence can be produced at a low cost.Accordingly, the current blocking element can be mounted on a consumablecomponent or the like. As a result, information corresponding to thelifetime or the time of replacement of the consumable component or thelike can be held by the consumable component or the like itself, wherebyinconvenience generated when the consumable component or the like is notused up at a time or inconvenience such that the risk of use of anunauthorized consumable component or the like is enhanced, can beeliminated. Also, a current integrating circuit (what is known as acoulomb counter) for inferring the maintenance time of a product or anelectronic apparatus including the product can be configured from thecurrent blocking element and can be made simpler and produced at a lowercost than a conventional circuit having a current detection section, anamplifier section, an A/D conversion circuit section, an operationsection, and a storage section.

Moreover, problems are hardly generated even when heat is applied to thecurrent blocking element in producing the current blocking element orthe product. Specifically, for example, in producing the product, thereis no fear of damage even when heat is applied to the current blockingelement in, for example, a solder reflow step.

Specifically, when the ink or toner is used up, the current blockingelement of Example 1 is brought into a blocked state and, even when auser loads the ink tank or toner cartridge with an unauthorized ink ortoner, the user cannot use the printer which is the product, because theink tank or toner cartridge does not operate. This can prevent withcertainty the unexpected disorder or inconvenience caused by use of theunauthorized ink or toner.

FIG. 3 shows an applied circuit diagram of a current mirror circuit(current proportional circuit), where an electric current proportionalto the current I_(REF) is let to flow as an electric current I_(COPY).Specifically, when R₁ is equal to R₂, a current mirror operation iscarried out, whereas when R₁ is not equal to R₂, a current proportionaloperation is carried out, and the value of electric current I_(COPY) atthat time is I_(COPY)=(R₁/R₂)I_(REF). This current proportional circuitcan be used by substituting for the current mirror circuits in FIGS. 1Band 4B. Here, the minus side of the circuit part in the product 10 thatis to be connected to the current blocking element 11 is connected tothe current input terminal. Assuming that the electric current flowingfrom the current input terminal to the grounded part is I_(REF), thecurrent I_(COPY) flowing in the current blocking element 11 is, whenI_(REF)≥0,I _(COPY)=(R ₁ /R ₂)×I _(REF)  (1)

In other words, by using this applied circuit of the current mirrorcircuit (current proportional circuit), the electric current I_(COPY)that is proportional to the load current I_(REF) can be let to flowthrough the current blocking element 11. When a resistor having a smallresistance is used as R₁ and a resistor having a large resistance isused as R₂, the current blocking element 11 can be reduced in scale.Here, when I_(REF)<0, then I_(COPY)=0, and electric current does notflow in the current blocking element 11. Accordingly, even when electriccurrent is drawn out from the current input terminal, the integratedvalue of electric current within the current blocking element 11 cannotbe decreased.

When the current blocking element 11 is in a conduction state and theinternal impedance thereof is sufficiently lower than R₂, the voltageappearing at the voltage output terminal is approximately equal to+V_(cc). Also, when the current blocking element 11 is in a blockedstate and the internal impedance thereof is sufficiently higher than R₂,the voltage appearing at the voltage output terminal is approximatelyequal to 0 volt. In other words, by detecting the voltage appearing atthe voltage output terminal, it is readily possible to detect whetherthe current blocking element 11 is in a conduction state or in a blockedstate.

Example 2

Example 2 relates to a current blocking element assembly of the presentdisclosure, a product having the current blocking element assembly ofthe present disclosure mounted thereon, and a current controlling methodin the product having the current blocking element assembly of thepresent disclosure mounted thereon.

Referring to the schematic sectional view of FIG. 4A, a current blockingelement assembly 12 of Example 2 includes a first current blockingelement 13 and a second current blocking element 14,

the first current blocking element 13 including:

a first-A electrode layer 31A being capable of holding ions as they are,or in a reduced state, or in an oxidized state;

an ion conductive layer 33A that conducts ions and does not haveelectronic conductivity; and

a second-A electrode layer 32A being capable of holding ions as theyare, or in a reduced state, or in an oxidized state,

the first-A electrode layer 31A, the ion conductive layer 33A, and thesecond-A electrode layer 32A being laminated in this order,

the second current blocking element 14 including:

a first-B electrode layer 31B being capable of holding ions as they are,or in a reduced state, or in an oxidized state;

an ion conductive layer 33B that conducts ions and does not haveelectronic conductivity; and

a second-B electrode layer 32B being capable of holding ions as theyare, or in a reduced state, or in an oxidized state,

the first-B electrode layer 31B, the ion conductive layer 33B, and thesecond-B electrode layer 32B being laminated in this order.

Further, the second-A electrode layer 32A and the second-B electrodelayer 32B are electrically connected (specifically, in Example 2, thesecond-A electrode layer 32A and the second-B electrode layer 32B areelectrically connected via a connection layer 37) and, as current is letto flow between the first-A electrode layer 31A and the first-Belectrode layer 31B, ions held in one of the electrode layersconstituting the first current blocking element 13 are moved to otherone of the electrode layers constituting the first current blockingelement 13; and, when ions held in one of the electrode layersconstituting the first current blocking element 13 are depleted or ionsheld in other one of the electrode layers constituting the first currentblocking element 13 are saturated, current flow between the first-Aelectrode layer 31A and the second-A electrode layer 32A is blocked.Alternatively, ions held in one of the electrode layers constituting thesecond current blocking element 14 are moved to other one of theelectrode layers constituting the second current blocking element 14;and, when ions held in one of the electrode layers constituting thesecond current blocking element 14 are depleted or ions held in otherone of the electrode layers constituting the second current blockingelement 14 are saturated, current flow between the first-B electrodelayer 31B and the second-B electrode layer 32B is blocked.

Also, referring to the conceptual view of FIG. 4B, in a product 10Ahaving the current blocking element assembly 12 of Example 2 mountedthereon, as current is let to flow between the first-A electrode layer31A and the first-B electrode layer 31B based on a current in theproduct 10A (current flowing in a predetermined region of the product10A), ions held in one of the electrode layers constituting the firstcurrent blocking element 13 are moved to other one of the electrodelayers constituting the first current blocking element 13; and, whenions held in one of the electrode layers constituting the first currentblocking element 13 are depleted or ions held in other one of theelectrode layers constituting the first current blocking element 13 aresaturated, current flow in the product 10A is blocked. Alternatively,ions held in one of the electrode layers constituting the second currentblocking element 14 are moved to other one of the electrode layersconstituting the second current blocking element 14; and, when ions heldin one of the electrode layers constituting the second current blockingelement 14 are depleted or ions held in other one of the electrodelayers constituting the second current blocking element 14 aresaturated, current flow in the product 10A is blocked.

Also, a current controlling method in the product 10A having the currentblocking element assembly 12 of Example 2 mounted thereon is such that,as current is let to flow between the first-A electrode layer 31A andthe first-B electrode layer 31B based on a current in the product 10A(current flowing in a predetermined region of the product 10A), ionsheld in one of the electrode layers constituting the first currentblocking element 13 are moved to other one of the electrode layersconstituting the first current blocking element 13; and, when ions heldin one of the electrode layers constituting the first current blockingelement 13 are depleted or ions held in other one of the electrodelayers constituting the first current blocking element 13 are saturated,current flow in the product 10A is blocked. Alternatively, ions held inone of the electrode layers constituting the second current blockingelement 14 are moved to other one of the electrode layers constitutingthe second current blocking element 14; and, when ions held in one ofthe electrode layers constituting the second current blocking element 14are depleted or ions held in other one of the electrode layersconstituting the second current blocking element 14 are saturated,current flow in the product 10A is blocked.

In Example 2, it is assumed that the electric current is let to flowfrom the first-A electrode layer 31A via the second-A electrode layer32A and the second-B electrode layer 32B to the first-B electrode layer31B. Therefore, when the moved ions are cations, the one electrode layerwhere the ions are depleted is the first-A electrode layer 31A or thesecond-B electrode layer 32B, and the other electrode layer where theions are saturated is the second-A electrode layer 32A or the first-Belectrode layer 31B. On the other hand, when the moved ions are anions,the one electrode layer where the ions are depleted is the second-Aelectrode layer 32A or the first-B electrode layer 32B, and the otherelectrode layer where the ions are saturated is the first-A electrodelayer 31A or the second-B electrode layer 32B. However, the presentdisclosure is not limited to this alone, so that, when the electriccurrent is let to flow from the first-B electrode layer 31B via thesecond-B electrode layer 32B and the second-A electrode layer 32A to thefirst-A electrode layer 31A and when the moved ions are cations, the oneelectrode layer where the ions are depleted is the first-B electrodelayer 31B or the second-A electrode layer 32A, and the other electrodelayer where the ions are saturated is the second-B electrode layer 32Bor the first-A electrode layer 31A. On the other hand, when the movedions are anions, the one electrode layer where the ions are depleted isthe second-B electrode layer 32B or the first-A electrode layer 31A, andthe other electrode layer where the ions are saturated is the first-Belectrode layer 32B or the second-A electrode layer 32A.

The second-A electrode layer 32A and the second-B electrode layer 32Bare electrically connected, and specifically, the second-A electrodelayer 32A and the second-B electrode layer 32B are disposed to opposeeach other with a connection layer 37, which is made of platinum (Pt),stainless steel, glass-form carbon, copper plated with platinum, kovarplated with platinum, or the like, interposed therebetween. In otherwords, the current blocking element assembly 12 is configured from alamination structure in which the first-A electrode layer 31A, the ionconductive layer 33A, the second-A electrode layer 32A, the connectionlayer 37, the second-B electrode layer 32B, the ion conductive layer33B, and the first-B electrode layer 31B are laminated.

In the current blocking element assembly 12 of Example 2 as well, theion conductive layers 33A, 33B include a solid layer. Further,

the ions are lithium ions;

the first-A electrode layer 31A and the first-B electrode layer 31Bcontain at least one kind of a substance selected from the groupconsisting of metal lithium, a carbon compound, a tin compound, asilicon compound, and lithium titanate;

the second-A electrode layer 32A and the second-B electrode layer 32Bcontain at least one kind of a substance selected from the groupconsisting of lithium cobaltate, lithium manganate, and lithium ironphosphate; and

the ion conductive layers 33A, 33B include a solid electrolyte layerhaving lithium ion conductivity (for example, having a hoppingconductivity).

Specifically, the first-A electrode layer 31A and the first-B electrodelayer 31B are made of the same material as the first electrode layer 21in Example 1; the second-A electrode layer 32A and the second-Belectrode layer 32B are made of the same material as the secondelectrode layer 22 in Example 1; and the ion conductive layers 33A, 33Bare made of the same material as the ion conductive layer 23 inExample 1. Further, the current blocking element assembly 12 is storedin a storing member 34 similar to that of Example 1. In order to connectthe first-A electrode layer 31A and the first-B electrode layer 31B toan external circuit or to the product 10A, connecting sections 35, 36made, for example, of platinum (Pt) and electrically connected to thefirst-A electrode layer 31A and the first-B electrode layer 31B(specifically, formed on the first-A electrode layer 31A and the first-Belectrode layer 31B) are exposed from the storing member 34. Here, theconnecting sections 35, 36 may be used as terminals for setting aninitial state. Also, a third terminal section 38 connected to theconnection layer 37 for setting an initial state may be provided (SeeFIG. 6 mentioned later).

For example, there is typically a correlation of a certain kind (forexample, a proportional relationship) between an amount of consumptionof a certain kind in a consumable component, a consumable article, or areplaceable component and an integrated amount of electric currentflowing through the product 10A. For example, in a product 10A such as aprinter provided with an ink tank or toner cartridge, an electriccurrent having correlation to the amount of use of ink or toner is letto flow through the current blocking element assembly 12 of Example 2.Accordingly, a current mirror circuit or current proportional circuit 40is constructed so that an electric current proportional to the electriccurrent flowing through the product 10A may flow through the currentblocking element assembly 12. In other words, in the current blockingelement assembly 12 of Example 2,

the first-A electrode layer 31A is connected to one terminal of acurrent copy-side circuit 42 constituting the current mirror circuit orcurrent proportional circuit 40, and

the first-B electrode layer 31B is connected to the other terminal ofthe current copy-side circuit 42 constituting the current mirror circuitor current proportional circuit 40.

Also, in the product 10A having the current blocking element assembly 12of Example 2 mounted thereon,

a current mirror circuit or current proportional circuit 40 is furtherprovided;

a current reference-side circuit 41 constituting the current mirrorcircuit or current proportional circuit 40 is incorporated in theproduct 10A;

the first-A electrode layer 31A is connected to one terminal of acurrent copy-side circuit 42 constituting the current mirror circuit orcurrent proportional circuit 40; and

the first-B electrode layer 31B is connected to the other terminal ofthe current copy-side circuit 42 constituting the current mirror circuitor current proportional circuit 40.

The current blocking element assembly 12 of Example 2 can be fabricatedby a method substantially similar to the method of fabricating thecurrent blocking element 11 described in Example 1, so that the detaileddescription thereof will be omitted. Also, the operation of the firstcurrent blocking element 13 in the current blocking element assembly 12of Example 2 is substantially the same as the operation of the currentblocking element 11 described in Example 1, so that the detaileddescription thereof will be omitted.

Before starting use of the current blocking element assembly 12 (initialstate), the first-A electrode layer 31A and the first-B electrode layer31B are in a state in which ions are held, and the second-A electrodelayer 32A and the second-B electrode layer 32B are in a state in whichions are not held. Here, the first-A electrode layer 31A and the first-Belectrode layer 31B may hold ions in a saturated state or may hold ionsin an unsaturated state. The second-A electrode layer 32A and thesecond-B electrode layer 32B may be in a state in which ions aredepleted or in a state in which the ions are held in an unsaturatedstate.

When electric current is let to flow from the first-A electrode layer31A via the second-A electrode layer 32A and the second-B electrodelayer 32B to the first-B electrode layer 31B, the ions held in thefirst-A electrode layer 31A decrease in amount; the ions held in thesecond-A electrode layer 32A increase in amount; the ions held in thesecond-B electrode layer 32B decrease in amount; and the ions held inthe first-B electrode layer 31B increase in amount. Further, eventually,the ions come to be depleted in the first-A electrode layer 31A, or elsethe ions come to be saturated in the second-A electrode layer 32A.

In the meantime, in the current blocking element assembly 12 of Example2, the first current blocking element 13 and the second current blockingelement 14 are disposed symmetrically via the connection layer 37.Accordingly, the functions of the first current blocking element 13 andthe second current blocking element 14 will be reversed if, after theelectric current flowing through the product 10A is blocked by theoperation of the first current blocking element 13, a change-over switchis provided so that the electric current may flow from the first-Belectrode layer 31B via the second-B electrode layer 32B and thesecond-A electrode layer 32A to the first-A electrode layer 31A. In thesecond current blocking element 14, the one electrode layer where theions are depleted is the first-B electrode layer 31B; the otherelectrode layer where the ions are saturated is the second-B electrodelayer 32B; and the electric current flowing through the product 10A isblocked by the operation of the second current blocking element 14.

In other words, in the second current blocking element 14, movement ofions from the first-B electrode layer 31B via the ion conductive layer33B to the second-A electrode layer 32A is started. Further, the ionsheld in the first-B electrode layer 31B decrease in amount; the ionsheld in the second-B electrode layer 32B increase in amount; the ionsheld in the second-A electrode layer 32A decrease in amount; and theions held in the first-A electrode layer 31A increase in amount.Further, eventually, the ions come to be depleted in the first-Belectrode layer 31B, or else the ions come to be saturated in thesecond-B electrode layer 32B.

Thus, in Example 2, there can be provided a current blocking elementassembly 12 capable of being used repeatedly for any number of timeswhile inverting the electric current, in the same manner as a sand clockcapable of being used repeatedly for any number of times by being turnedupside down. By controlling the saturated state of ions before the startof use (initial state), the threshold value of the electric currentflowing within the current blocking element assembly 12 can becontrolled. In other words, the initial ion-holding state in the firstcurrent blocking element 13 and the second current blocking element 14can be set by using the connection sections 35, 36 and the thirdterminal section 38 shown in FIG. 6 described later as terminals forsetting an initial state and letting a suitable electric current flowbetween the connection section 35 and the third terminal section 38 andbetween the connection section 36 and the third terminal section 38.Also, since the first current blocking element 13 and the second currentblocking element 14 are symmetrically disposed via the connection layer37, the electromotive forces that can possibly be generated in the firstcurrent blocking element 13 and the second current blocking element 14can be cancelled with each other, so that the current blocking elementassembly 12 can be treated as a simple switching element constituted oftwo states which are a conduction state and an insulation state.

In the current blocking element assembly 12 of Example 2, lithium ionsserving as a carrier of electric charge come to be no longer presentwhen the ions held in one electrode layer (specifically, the first-Aelectrode layer 31A) are depleted or when the ions held in the otherelectrode layer (specifically, the second-A electrode layer 32A) aresaturated, that is, when the lithium ions can no longer move from thefirst-A electrode layer 31A via the ion conductive layer 33A to thesecond-A electrode layer 32A, and in still other words, when theintegrated value of electric current flowing within the first currentblocking element 13 exceeds the threshold value. As a result of this,the electric current can no longer be let to flow in the currentblocking element assembly 12, thereby leading to an insulation state, orelse the internal resistance of the current blocking element assembly 12rises suddenly and rapidly, so that the electric current isautomatically blocked. Here, FIG. 5 schematically shows a relationshipbetween the integrated amount of electric current in the currentblocking element assembly 12 and the voltage output from the currentblocking element assembly 12. Here, in FIG. 5, the thin solid linerepresents the behavior of the first current blocking element 13; thedotted line represents the behavior of the second current blockingelement 14, and the thick solid line represents the behavior of thecurrent blocking element assembly 12 obtained by synthesizing thebehavior of the first current blocking element 13 and the behavior ofthe second current blocking element 14.

The current blocking element assembly of Example 2 is formed bylamination of the first-A electrode layer, the ion conductive layer, thesecond-A electrode layer, the connection layer, the second-B electrodelayer, the ion conductive layer, and the first-B electrode layer in thisorder, and hence has a simple structure and configuration and can beproduced at a low cost. Accordingly, the current blocking elementassembly of Example 2 can be mounted on a consumable component or thelike. Further, for example, when the ink or toner is used up, thecurrent blocking element assembly of Example 2 is brought into a blockedstate and, even when a user loads the ink tank or toner cartridge withan unauthorized ink or toner, the user cannot use the printer, that is,the product, because the ink tank or toner cartridge does not operate.This can prevent with certainty the unexpected disorder or inconveniencecaused by use of the unauthorized ink or toner.

FIG. 6 shows another applied circuit diagram (current proportionalcircuit) of the current mirror circuit. Here, the applied circuitdiagram shown in FIG. 6 is an example of an applied circuit of a currentblocking element assembly in which the current mirror circuit in FIG. 4Bis replaced with the current proportional circuit of FIG. 3, andfurther, a current blocking circuit is added.

In the illustrated example, the resistance value of R₁ is set to be 100milliohm, and the resistance value of R₂ is set to be 10 kiloohm, sothat the electric current flowing in the current blocking elementassembly is compressed to be one hundred thousandth (1×10⁻⁵ timesmultiple). Assuming that the capacity of the current blocking elementassembly (integrated value of electric current) is 100 microampere·hour,the MOSFET is turned into an off-state to stop operation of the productwhen the integrated value of electric current flowing into the currentinput terminal (denoted by “terminal-A”) reaches 10 ampere-hour. Thespecification procedure and operation principle of this circuit are asfollows.

First, via the connection sections 35, 36 and the third terminal section38 serving as terminals for setting an initial state, in the firstcurrent blocking element 13 (capacity: 100 microampere-hour)constituting the current blocking element assembly 12, the ion state inthe first-A electrode layer 31A is set to be a saturated state, and theion state in the second-A electrode layer 32A is set to be a depletedstate. On the other hand, in the second current blocking element 14(capacity: 100 microampere·hour), the ion state in the first-B electrodelayer 31B is set to be a depleted state, and the ion state in thesecond-A electrode layer 32A is set to be a saturated state. In thisstate, the impedance of the current blocking element assembly 12 is low,and the voltage at the B-point is in a high state. For this reason, thevoltage at the C-point, which is an output of the comparator circuit, isin a low state, and the voltage at the D-point is in a high state, sothat the MOSFET is turned into an on-state. This is the state before useof the current blocking element assembly 12 (initial state).

When electric current is let to flow into the terminal-A, movement ofions from the first-A electrode layer 31A to the second-A electrodelayer 32 is generated in the first current blocking element 13 in thecurrent blocking element assembly 12 for the amount of the electriccurrent value corresponding to just the one hundred thousandth of thatelectric current value. On the other hand, in the second currentblocking element 14, movement of ions from the second-B electrode layer32B to the first-B electrode layer 31B is generated. Here, in FIG. 6,for the sake of convenience, the first current blocking element 13 andthe second current blocking element 14 are illustrated with the symbolof “battery”. Further, the first-A electrode layer 31A and the first-Belectrode layer 31B are denoted with the symbol of “negative electrode”of the battery, and the second-A electrode layer 32A and the second-Belectrode layer 32B are denoted with the symbol of “positive electrode”of the battery. Since the first current blocking element 13 and thesecond current blocking element 14 have the same capacity, the ion statein the first-A electrode layer 31A will be a depleted state or else theion state in the second-A electrode layer 32A will be a saturated statewhen the integrated value of electric current flowing into the currentinput terminal (terminal-A) reaches 10 ampere-hour. Also, the ion statein the first-B electrode layer 31B will be a saturated state or else theion state in the second-B electrode layer 32B will be a depleted state.Further, in this state, the impedance of the current blocking elementassembly 12 is high; the voltage at the B-point is in a low state; thevoltage at the C-point, which is an output of the comparator circuit, isin a high state, and the voltage at the D-point is in a low state, sothat the MOSFET is turned into an off-state. Thus, the electric currentno longer flows into the current input terminal (terminal-A). Further,the off-state of the MOSFET is detected to stop operation of the product10A.

Example 3

The current blocking element 11 and the current blocking elementassembly 12 described in Examples 1 to 2 are mounted on a product;however these may be incorporated in the product (See FIGS. 8 and 10),or in a state being separated from the product (See FIGS. 7 and 9).Also, in Examples 1 to 2, a mode has been described (See FIGS. 7 and 8)in which the electric current flowing through the current blockingelement 11 or the current blocking element assembly 12 is blocked, andfurther the operation of the product is stopped when the integratedvalue of electric current flowing through the current blocking element11 or the current blocking element assembly 12 exceeds the thresholdvalue. Alternatively, a mode can be adopted (See FIGS. 9 and 10) inwhich the electric current flowing through the current blocking element11 or the current blocking element assembly 12 is blocked, and furtherthe operation of the product is stopped when the time-integrated valueof electric current flowing through the current blocking element 11 orthe current blocking element assembly 12 exceeds the threshold value.Here, for the sake of convenience, the example shown in FIG. 7 isreferred to as [Type 1]; the example shown in FIG. 8 is referred to as[Type 2]; the example shown in FIG. 9 is referred to as [Type 3]; andthe example shown in FIG. 10 is referred to as [Type 4].

Any of these types is basically configured from four circuit blocks,that is, a main circuit provided in the product, a current blockingelement or a current blocking element assembly, a voltage detectioncircuit, and a current proportional circuit or constant-current circuit,and also, a current path (current circuit) of the current blockingelement or current blocking element assembly is provided, whereby thecurrent blocking element or current blocking element assembly isoperated in accordance with the current integrated value of the maincircuit or the lapse of time, and the operation of the main circuit isrestricted when, for example, the potential difference between the firstelectrode layer and the second electrode layer of the current blockingelement becomes lower than a prescribed value.

Hereafter, an example of [Type 1] which is a product such as an electrictooth brush provided with an exchange type brush part will be described.Specifically, in this example, the exchange type brush part is theconsumable component, and the current blocking element or currentblocking element assembly of Examples 1 to 2 is provided in the exchangetype brush part. A conceptual view of the electric tooth brush is shownin FIG. 11A, and the circuit is shown in FIG. 11B. Here, in thefollowing description, an example using the current blocking element 11will be described; however, the current blocking element assembly 12 canbe used as well. Here, the current blocking element is illustrated withthe symbol of “battery”. Further, the first electrode layer is denotedwith the symbol of “negative electrode” of the battery, and the secondelectrode layer is denoted with the symbol of “positive electrode” ofthe battery. Also, in the following description, the current blockingelement of Example 1 and the current blocking element assembly ofExample 2 may be referred to as “current blocking element or the like ofExamples” as a general term.

The main body part of the electric tooth brush and the consumablecomponent (exchange type brush part) are connected by two pairs ofterminals (terminal-A to terminal A′ and terminal-B to terminal B′). Acurrent blocking element (not illustrated in the drawings) having acapacity of about 500 microampere·hour is mounted on the consumablecomponent (exchange type brush part). In the initial state, the ions inthe first electrode layer are in a saturated state. When a main powerswitch provided in the main circuit that is disposed in the inside ofthe electric tooth brush is turned on, electric current flows through avibration motor, and the exchange type brush part is vibrated. Duringthis period, information on the driving current flowing through thevibration motor is transmitted to the current blocking element bypassing through the current proportional circuit. Then, an electriccurrent value corresponding to about one 22000th of the motor drivingcurrent flows through the current blocking element mounted on theconsumable component (exchange type brush part). This electric currentis a value determined by the following equation.I ₂=(R ₁ /R ₂)×I ₁

The voltage of the current blocking element is monitored by a voltagedetection circuit provided in the main circuit. The potential differencebetween the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer whenthe ions in the first electrode layer are in a saturated state(hereafter referred to as “potential difference in current blockingelement”) is about 4.15 volt. The potential difference in the currentblocking element decreases when the integrated value of the electriccurrent flowing through the current blocking element increases. Further,when the potential difference comes to be lower than a preset thresholdvalue (which may be other than 0 volt and may be, for example, around1.2 volt), the MOSFET connected in series to the vibration motor in themain circuit is turned into an off-state, and the vibration motor can nolonger be driven. In order that the vibration motor can be driven again,the consumable component must be replaced with a new one. Thus,insufficient brushing of teeth due to continuation of use of thedeteriorated consumable component by the user can be prevented.

Simulation on energization experiments under the following sixconditions was carried out with use of a circuit simulator LTspice IV.The results are shown in Table 1 and FIGS. 12, 13, and 14. Also, thesimulation result of the potential difference in the current blockingelement using the circuit simulator LTspice IV and the potentialdifference in an actual current blocking element are shown in FIG. 15.From FIG. 15, it will be understood that the simulation using thecircuit simulator LTspice IV has validity.

[Condition-1]

Continuous use in a strong mode

[Condition-2]

Continuous use in a weak mode

[Condition-3]

Intermittent use in a strong mode (repetition of three-minute use andthree-minute stoppage)

[Condition-4]

Intermittent use in a weak mode (repetition of three-minute use andthree-minute stoppage)

[Condition-5]

Intermittent use in a strong mode (three-minute use for every eighthours)

[Condition-6]

Intermittent use in a weak mode (three-minute use for every eight hours)

TABLE 1 Current flowing through current Period Driving current of motorblocking element Duty of time till Driving Integrated Integrated ratiostoppage current value Current value 1 100% 9.88 h 1.10 A 10.8 Ah 50.0μA 493 μAh 2 100% 15.2 h 714 mA 10.9 Ah 32.6 μA 496 μAh 3  50% 16.9 h1.10 A 10.8 Ah 50.0 μA 494 μAh 4  50% 30.2 h 714 mA 10.9 Ah 32.6 μA 496μAh 5 0.625%  59.7 day 1.10 A 9.91 Ah 50.0 μA 491 μAh 6 0.625%  88.0 day714 mA 9.49 Ah 32.6 μA 490 μAh

As shown by the above results, irrespective of how the electric toothbrush is used, that is, irrespective of whether the electric tooth brushis used in the strong mode or in the weak mode, or the frequency ofusing the electric tooth brush (duty ratio), the potential difference inthe current blocking element comes to be lower than the preset thresholdvalue at the time point at which the integrated value of electriccurrent flowing through the vibration motor reaches about 10ampere-hour, and thereafter, the vibration motor is no longer usable,and the electric tooth brush is brought into a non-usable state.

The period of time until the electric tooth brush became no longerusable was 60 days (about two months) under [Condition-5] that assumeuse after each meal for three times a day, such as three-minute use forevery eight hours, and was 88 days (about three months) under[Condition-6]. When such a number of days pass, deterioration of theexchange type brush part becomes conspicuous, and it is time forexchange. It goes without saying that the number of days can be madelonger or shorter by selection of the resistance value. By appropriatelysetting the resistance value in accordance with the durability of theexchange type brush part, the deteriorated exchange type brush part canbe prevented from being kept used by the user, and insufficient brushingof teeth can be prevented.

Information on the period of time until the electric tooth brush becomesno longer usable is stored in the current blocking element incorporatedin the inside of the exchange type brush part. Accordingly, even whenthe exchange type brush part is dismounted during the period of use, theinformation on the remaining period of time is not reset. For example,even in a case in which a plurality of exchange type brush parts arefrequently switched to one another and used with respect to one electrictooth brush main body, each of the exchange type brush parts keeps thecorrect remaining period of time, so that problems such as a situationin which an exchange type brush part becomes no longer usable beforebeing deteriorated or a situation in which an exchange type brush partis kept being used despite the fact that the exchange type brush part isalready deteriorated, are not generated.

It is preferable that a diode is connected in series to the currentblocking element. This provides an advantage such that the ion holdingstate of each electrode layer in the current blocking element cannot bechanged by operation from outside. In other words, the period of timefor use cannot be extended in an unauthorized manner. By soldering thecurrent blocking element onto a printed wiring board, unauthorizedexchange is rendered difficult. The voltage detection circuit needs tobe a Schmitt trigger circuit having a positive feedback. This isbecause, since the internal resistance of the current blocking elementat the time of operation stoppage of the current blocking element islarge, the overvoltage becomes high, and a large voltage rise occursimmediately after the operation stoppage of the current blockingelement. When the detected voltage does not have a hysteresis, anoscillation phenomenon occurs when the period of time for use expires.

Example 4

Example 4 is a modification of Example 3. In Example 4, a case in whichthe current blocking element is applied to an ink jet printer ofpiezoelectric type is shown as an example of [Type 1] (See theequivalent circuit diagram of FIG. 16). The ink jet printer has apiezoelectric driving circuit in the main body part and has a headincluding a piezoelectric element in the consumable component (inktank). A function generator (Function Generator) is provided in thepiezoelectric driving circuit in the main body part and creates awaveform signal for driving the piezoelectric element. The waveformsignal having a high impedance, which is output from the functiongenerator, is turned into one having a low impedance by a drivingcircuit having an n-channel type FET disposed on the high side and ap-channel type FET disposed on the low side, whereby the piezoelectricelement in the consumable component is driven. Further, by movement ofthis piezoelectric element, the ink in the ink tank is ejected from thehead.

On the consumable component, a current blocking element is mountedbesides the piezoelectric element and, in the initial state, the ions inthe first electrode layer are in a saturated state. Information on theelectric current value I₁ that is let to flow through the piezoelectricelement is sent out to the current blocking element by passing throughthe current proportional circuit serving also as a differentialamplification circuit. Further, an electric current value I₂proportional to the electric current value I₁ is let to flow through thecurrent blocking element mounted on the consumable component (The valueof I₁ is always positive, and the value of I₂ is also always positive,that is, only in the discharging direction). The potential difference inthe current blocking element is monitored at all times by the voltagedetection circuit in the main body. The potential difference in thecurrent blocking element (potential difference between the firstelectrode layer and the second electrode layer) in the initial state isabout 4.15 volt; however, when electric current flows through thecurrent blocking element, the potential difference in the currentblocking element gradually decreases. When the potential differencecomes to be lower than a preset threshold value, the output of thevoltage detection circuit is brought into a high state, and this isinput into a chip enable terminal xCE of negative logic of the functiongenerator, and the piezoelectric driving circuit can no longer beoperated. Once such a state is attained, even if ink is present in theink tank, the ink cannot be ejected from the head. In order that the inkcan be ejected again, the ink tank must be replaced with a new one.

Here, the capacity of the current blocking element, the electric currentvalue that is let to flow, and the like are set in advance so that thepotential difference in the current blocking element may not come to belower than the preset threshold value even when all of the inkoriginally incorporated in the ink tank is used up. In other words, itis so constructed that a situation in which the potential difference inthe current blocking element comes to be lower than the preset thresholdvalue is not generated except when the ink tank that has once becomeempty is reloaded with ink by the user. This can prevent a situation inwhich the printer itself goes out of order by use of the forciblyreloaded ink tank.

Example 5

In Example 5, a case of [Type 4] will be described below in which thecurrent blocking element 11 or the current blocking element assembly 12described in Examples 1 to 2 are incorporated in a product, and theelectric current flowing through the current blocking element 11 or thecurrent blocking element assembly 12 is blocked when the time-integratedvalue of the electric current flowing through the current blockingelement 11 or the current blocking element assembly 12 exceeds athreshold value, and further, operation of the product is stopped.

Specifically, an applied example will be shown in which the productcomes to be no longer usable when the integrated period of time duringwhich the power is on reaches about 24 hours (See the equivalent circuitdiagram of FIG. 17). Simulation carried out using LTspice gave a resultsuch that, when the potentiometer is set so that the voltage of thenon-inverting input terminal (third pin) of the operation amplifier inthe constant-current circuit would be just 200 millivolt, the potentialdifference in the current blocking element comes to be lower than apreset threshold value to bring the MOSFET of the main circuit into anoff-state when 24.8 hours pass after the power of the main circuit isturned on, whereby the electric current can no longer be let to flowthrough the main circuit (See FIG. 17B). Here, in FIG. 17B, the lateralaxis represents the integrated time during which the power of the maincircuit is in an on-state, and the longitudinal axis represents thepotential difference in the current blocking element.

Here, the ion conductive layer in the current blocking element and thelike of Examples used in [Type 3] and [Type 4] must be configured from asolid layer so that an inconvenience may not be generated even when anoverly discharged state is attained, because electric current continuesto flow even when the potential difference in the current blockingelement and the like of Examples comes to be lower than a presetthreshold value to bring the MOSFET of the main circuit into anoff-state. When the product itself is a consumable component or aconsumable article, the current blocking element and the like ofExamples used in [Type 3] and [Type 4] can be mounted on an apparatusthat is intended to be used only for one day, such as goods distributedin a theme park or an event meeting space or receivers used in alistening comprehension test for a foreign language.

Also, among the medical electronic apparatus used in hospitals, thereare numerous apparatus that are used by mounting consumable componentsor consumable articles having a predetermined time limit of use. Forexample, there are a HEPA filter of an air cleaner for medicalinstitutions, a sterilization filter of an inhalation oxygen generator,an energization pad of a low-frequency treatment apparatus, and thelike. These are ones in which the time limit of use must be strictlyobserved. When a current blocking element or a current blocking elementassembly is mounted on each of these consumable components or consumablearticles, errors such that the time limit of use passes and that theconsumable components or consumable articles are kept being used in asituation with decrease or deterioration in functions or withcorrosions, can be eliminated

There are numerous consumable components and the like in medicalapparatus in which the time limit of use is designated by a date.However, when management can be carried out based on the integratedvalue of consumption current or the integrated value of time for use ofthe medical apparatus, the consumable components and the like can bemanaged and replaced reasonably with less amount of waste in accordancewith the actual degree of deterioration of the consumable components andthe like. In other words, the state that the consumable components andthe like in the medical apparatus are equipped with a current blockingelement or a current blocking element assembly provides not only asignificance as a risk management for preventing medical accidents butalso an economic significance.

As shown above, the present disclosure has been described with referenceto the preferable Examples; however, the present disclosure is notlimited to these Examples. The configuration and structure of thecurrent blocking element or current blocking element assembly, thematerials put to use, the configuration and structure of the products,and the like are exemplifications and can be suitably changed. Also,each of various numerical values related to the operation of the currentblocking element or current blocking element assembly is anexemplification and can be suitably changed. Depending on the cases, inthe current blocking element assembly of the present disclosure, it ispossible to adopt a configuration in which the first-A electrode layerand the first-B electrode layer are electrically connected. In thiscase, for example, the first-A electrode layer and the first-B electrodelayer only need to be disposed to oppose each other with a connectionlayer interposed therebetween. In other words, a current blockingelement assembly only need to be configured from a lamination structurethat is formed by lamination of the second-A electrode layer, the ionconductive layer, the first-A electrode layer, the connection layer, thefirst-B electrode layer, the ion conductive layer, and the second-Belectrode layer.

In the Examples, an example has been given in which the carrier ofelectric charge is lithium ions; however, fluoride ions, hydroxide ions,oxygen ions, or carbonate ions may serve as the carrier, oralternatively, sodium ions, potassium ions, magnesium ions, calciumions, aluminum ions, or protons may serve as the carrier. An all-solidbattery having fluoride ions as a carrier is expected to have a highprospect as the second form of the all-solid batteries, and a widevariety of solid electrolytes are already reported. With respect toprotons and oxygen ions, a wide variety of solid electrolytes arealready reported in the research and development of fuel batteries sofar. By using these, inexpensive current blocking elements or currentblocking element assemblies can be constructed.

When the fluoride ions are a carrier, it is possible to adopt aconfiguration in which:

the ions are fluoride ions;

the first electrode layer, or the first-A electrode layer and thefirst-B electrode layer, contain a metal fluoride (for example,specifically the metal fluoride described above);

the second electrode layer, or the second-A electrode layer and thesecond-B electrode layer, contain a metal fluoride (for example,specifically the metal fluoride described above), and

the ion conductive layer, or the ion conductive layer constituting thefirst current blocking element and the second current blocking element,include a solid electrolyte layer having fluoride ion conductivity (forexample, specifically the solid electrolyte layer described above).

Further, when hydroxide ions are used as a carrier, for example, ahydrogen storing alloy can be used as the electrode layer, and potassiumhydroxide can be used as the ion conductive layer. When oxygen ions areused as a carrier, for example, a hydrogen storing alloy can be used asthe electrode layer, and stabilized zirconia can be used as the ionconductive layer. When carbonate ions are used as a carrier, forexample, a hydrogen storing alloy can be used as the electrode layer,and a carbonate can be used as the ion conductive layer. When sodiumions are used as a carrier, for example, metal sodium can be used as theelectrode layer, and β-alumina can be used as the ion conductive layer.When sodium ions, potassium ions, or magnesium ions are used as acarrier, a Prussian blue analogue, for example, can be used as theelectrode layer and the ion conductive layer. When protons are used as acarrier, for example, a hydrogen storing alloy can be used as theelectrode layer, and an ion exchange membrane such as Nafion orphosphoric acid can be used as the ion conductive layer.

Hereafter, description on the materials and the like constituting thefirst electrode layer and the second electrode layer in the case inwhich the ions are lithium ions will be given.

As a material constituting the first electrode layer and the like, acarbon material can be mentioned as an example besides theaforementioned materials. The carbon materials undergo extremely littlechange in the crystal structure at the time of storage and release oflithium, and hence can stably hold a large amount of ions. Also, sincethe carbon materials function as an electroconductive material, theelectric conductivity of the first electrode layer and the like isimproved. Examples of the carbon materials include easily graphitizablecarbon (soft carbon), hardly graphitizable carbon (hard carbon),graphite (graphite), and highly crystalline carbon material withdeveloped crystal structure. However, the planar interval of the (002)plane in the hardly graphitizable carbon is preferably 0.37 nm or more,and the planar interval of the (002) plane in the graphite is preferably0.34 nm or less. More specifically, examples of the carbon materialsinclude organic polymer compound fired-bodies that can be obtained byfiring (carbonizing) thermally decomposed carbons; cokes such as pitchcokes, needle cokes, and petroleum cokes; graphites; glass-form carbonfibers; and polymer compounds such as phenolic resins and furan resinsat a suitable temperature; carbon fibers; activated carbon; carbonblacks; and polymers such as polyacetylene. Also, as the carbonmaterials, a low crystalline carbon thermally treated at a temperatureof about 1000° C. or lower can be mentioned besides the above, or else,an amorphous carbon can be used as well. The shape of the carbonmaterials may be any of a fiber-like shape, spherical shape,particle-like shape, and scale-like shape.

Alternatively, the material constituting the first electrode layer andthe like may be, for example, a material containing one kind or two ormore kinds of either one of a metal element and a half metal element asa constituent element (hereafter referred to as “metal-based material”),and a large amount of ions can be held by this. The metal-based materialmay be any of a single element, an alloy, and a compound, or a materialconfigured from two or more kinds of these, or a material having onekind or two or more kinds of these phases in at least a part thereof. Inaddition to the materials made of two or more kinds of metal elements,the alloys include materials containing one or more kinds of metalelements and one or more kinds of half metal elements. Also, the alloymay include a non-metal element. Examples of the structure of themetal-based materials include solid solutions, eutectic crystals(eutectic mixtures), intermetallic compounds, and substances in whichtwo or more kinds of these coexist.

As the metal element and half metal element, metal elements and halfmetal elements capable of forming an alloy with lithium can be mentionedas examples. Specific examples thereof include magnesium <Mg>, boron<B>, aluminum <Al>, gallium <Ga>, indium <In>, silicon <Si>, germanium<Ge>, tin <Sn>, lead <Pb>, antimony <Sb>, bismuth <Bi>, cadmium <Cd>,silver <Ag>, zinc <Zn>, hafnium <Hf>, zirconium <Zr>, yttrium <Y>,palladium <Pd>, and platinum <Pt>. Among these, silicon <Si> and tin<Sn> are excellent in the capability of storing and releasing lithiumand are preferable because of having a capability to hold a furtherlarger amount of ions.

The material containing silicon as a constituent element may be a singleelement of silicon, a silicon alloy, or a silicon compound, or amaterial configured from two or more kinds of these, or a materialhaving one kind or two or more kinds of these phases in at least a partthereof. The material containing tin as a constituent element may be asingle element of tin, a tin alloy, or a tin compound, or a materialconfigured from two or more kinds of these, or a material having onekind or two or more kinds of these phases in at least a part thereof.The single element inherently means a single element in a generalmeaning of the term and may contain a slight amount of impurities, sothat this does not necessarily mean a purity of 100%.

Examples of the elements other than silicon constituting the siliconalloy or silicon compound include tin <Sn>, nickel <Ni>, copper <Cu>,iron <Fe>, cobalt <Co>, manganese <Mn>, zinc <Zn>, indium <In>, silver<Ag>, titanium <Ti>, germanium <Ge>, bismuth <Bi>, antimony <Sb>, andchromium <Cr>, and also carbon <C> and oxygen <O>. Specific examples ofthe silicon alloy or silicon compound include SiB₄, SiB₆, Mg₂Si, Ni₂Si,TiSi₂, MoSi₂, CoSi₂, NiSi₂, CaSi₂, CrSi₂, Cu₅Si, FeSi₂, MnSi₂, NbSi₂,TaSi₂, VSi₂, WSi₂, ZnSi₂, SiC, Si₃N₄, Si₂N₂O, SiO_(v) (0<v≤2, preferably0.2<v<1.4), and LiSiO.

Examples of the elements other than tin constituting the tin alloy ortin compound include silicon <Si>, nickel <Ni>, copper <Cu>, iron <Fe>,cobalt <Co>, manganese <Mn>, zinc <Zn>, indium <In>, silver <Ag>,titanium <Ti>, germanium <Ge>, bismuth <Bi>, antimony <Sb>, and chromium<Cr>, and also carbon <C> and oxygen <O>. Specific examples of the tinalloy or tin compound include SnO_(w) (0<w≤2), SnSiO₃, LiSnO, and Mg₂Sn.In particular, the material containing tin as a constituent element ispreferably, for example, a material containing the second constituentelement and the third constituent element together with tin (firstconstituent element) (hereafter referred to as “Sn-containingmaterial”). Examples of the second constituent element include cobalt<Co>, iron <Fe>, magnesium <Mg>, titanium <Ti>, vanadium <V>, chromium<Cr>, manganese <Mn>, nickel <Ni>, copper <Cu>, zinc <Zn>, gallium <Ga>,zirconium <Zr>, niobium <Nb>, molybdenum <Mo>, silver <Ag>, indium <In>,cesium <Ce>, hafnium <HP, tantalum <Ta>, tungsten <W>, bismuth <Bi>, andsilicon <Si>, and examples of the third constituent element includeboron <B>, carbon <C>, aluminum <Al>, and phosphorus <P>. When theSn-containing material contains the second constituent element and thethird constituent element, a further larger amount of ions can be held.

Among these, the Sn-containing material is preferably a materialcontaining tin <Sn>, cobalt <Co>, and carbon <C> as constituent elements(hereafter referred to as “SnCoC-containing material”). In theSnCoC-containing material, for example, the content of carbon is 9.9mass % to 29.7 mass %, and the ratio of the content of tin and cobalt{Co/(Sn+Co)} is 20 mass % to 70 mass %. This is because a large amountof ions can be held. The SnCoC-containing material has a phase includingtin, cobalt, and carbon, and the phase thereof is preferably lowlycrystalline or amorphous. Since this phase is a reaction phase capableof reacting with lithium, an excellent property is obtained by thepresence of the reaction phase. The half-value width (diffraction angle2θ) of the diffraction peak obtained by X-ray diffraction of thisreaction phase is preferably one degree or more when a CuKα beam is usedas a specific X-ray and the sweeping speed is assumed to be onedegree/minute. This is because lithium is more smoothly stored andreleased. The SnCoC-containing material may in some cases include aphase containing a single element or a part of each constituent elementin addition to the lowly crystalline or amorphous phase.

Whether the diffraction peak obtained by X-ray diffraction is onecorresponding to the reaction phase capable of reacting with lithium ornot can be easily determined when X-ray diffraction charts before andafter the electrochemical reaction with lithium are compared. Forexample, when the position of the diffraction peak changes before andafter the electrochemical reaction with lithium, the diffraction peak isone corresponding to the reaction phase capable of reacting withlithium. In this case, for example, the diffraction peak of the lowlycrystalline or amorphous reaction phase is seen in the range of 2θ=20degrees to 50 degrees. Such a reaction phase contains, for example, eachof the aforementioned constituent elements and seems to be turned lowlycrystalline or amorphous mainly due to the presence of carbon.

In the SnCoC-containing material, at least a part of the carbon, whichis a constituent element, is preferably bonded to the metal element orhalf metal element. This is because aggregation and crystallization oftin and the like is suppressed. The bonded state of the elements can beconfirmed, for example, by using the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS) using an Al-Kα beam, Mg-Kα beam, or the like as a soft X-raysource. When at least a part of carbon is bonded to the metal element orhalf metal element, the peak of the synthesized wave of the is orbit ofcarbon (C1s) appears in a region lower than 284.5 eV. Here, it isassumed that energy correction is made so that the peak of the 4f orbitof gold atoms (Au4f) may appear at 84.0 eV. During this, since surfacecontaminating carbon is typically present on the substance surface, thepeak of C1s of the surface contaminating carbon is assumed to be 284.8eV, and the peak thereof is regarded as the energy reference standard.In the XPS measurement, the waveform of the peak of C1s is obtained in aform including the peak of the surface contaminating carbon and the peakof carbon in the SnCoC-containing material. For this reason, forexample, the two peaks only need to be separated from each other bymaking analysis using a commercially available software. In the waveformanalysis, the position of the principal peak that is present on theminimum bound energy side is regarded as the energy reference standard(284.8 eV).

The SnCoC-containing material is not limited to a material (SnCoC)containing tin, cobalt, and carbon as constituent elements. For example,the SnCoC-containing material may contain, as constituent elements, onekind or two or more kinds of silicon <Si>, iron <Fe>, nickel <Ni>,chromium <Cr>, indium <In>, niobium <Nb>, germanium <Ge>, titanium <Ti>,molybdenum <Mo>, aluminum <Al>, phosphorus <P>, gallium <Ga>, bismuth<Bi>, and the like in addition to tin, cobalt, and carbon.

Besides the SnCoC-containing material, a material containing tin,cobalt, iron, and carbon as constituent elements (hereafter referred toas “SnCoFeC-containing material”) is also a preferable material. Thecomposition of the SnCoFeC-containing material is arbitrary. As oneexample, when the content of iron is set to be relatively small, thecontent of carbon is 9.9 mass % to 29.7 mass %; the content of iron is0.3 mass % to 5.9 mass %; and the ratio of the content of tin and cobalt{Co/(Sn+Co)} is 30 mass % to 70 mass %. Also, when the content of ironis set to be relatively large, the content of carbon is 11.9 mass % to29.7 mass %; the ratio of the content of tin, cobalt, and iron{(Co+Fe)/(Sn+Co+Fe)} is 26.4 mass % to 48.5 mass %; and the ratio of thecontent of cobalt and iron {Co/(Co+Fe)} is 9.9 mass % to 79.5 mass %.This is because a high energy density is obtained in such a compositionrange. The physical properties (half-value width and the like) of theSnCoFeC-containing material are similar to the physical properties ofthe SnCoC-containing material described above.

Besides this, examples of the materials constituting the first electrodelayer and the like include metal oxides such as iron oxide, rutheniumoxide, and molybdenum oxide; and polymer compounds such aspolyacetylene, polyaniline, and polypyrrole.

Among these, the materials constituting the first electrode layer andthe like preferably contain both of a carbon material and a metal-basedmaterial, due to the following reason. That is, a metal-based material,particularly a material containing at least one of silicon and tin as aconstituent element, is liable to be violently expanded or shrunk duringthe charging/discharging, though having an advantage such as beingcapable of holding a large amount of ions. On the other hand, a carbonmaterial has an advantage of being hardly expanded or shrunk during thecharging/discharging, though being hardly capable of holding a largeamount of ions. Accordingly, by using both of a carbon material and ametal-based material, expansion and shrinkage at the time of releasinglithium ions are suppressed.

Examples of the materials constituting the second electrode layer andthe like include lithium-containing composite oxides andlithium-containing phosphoric acid compounds besides the aforementionedmaterials. Details of the lithium-containing composite oxides andlithium-containing phosphoric acid compounds are as follows. Here, theother elements constituting the lithium-containing composite oxides andlithium-containing phosphoric acid compounds may be, for example, anyone kind or two or more kinds of the elements belonging to the Group IIto Group XV in the long-period type periodic table, though notparticularly limited. From the viewpoint of obtaining a high voltage, itis preferable to use nickel <Ni>, cobalt <Co>, manganese <Mn>, and iron<Fe>.

As the material constituting the second electrode layer, it is possibleto use a compound represented by the following formula (A) or aLiNiMnO-based material as well.Li_(1+a)(Mn_(b)CO_(c)Ni_(1-b-c))_(1-a)M⁰ _(d)O_(2-e)  (A)Here, “M⁰” is at least one kind of the elements belonging to the GroupII to Group XV in the long-period type periodic table (excludingmanganese, cobalt, and nickel), and relationships of 0<a<0.25,0.3≤b<0.7, 0≤c<1−b, 0≤d≤1, and 0≤e≤1 are satisfied. Specifically,Li_(1.15)(Mn_(0.65)Ni_(0.22)Co_(0.13))_(0.85)O₂ may be mentioned as anexample. Also, as the LiNiMnO-based material, specificallyLiNi_(0.5)Mn_(1.50)O₄ may be mentioned as an example.

As the lithium-containing composite oxides having a layered rock salttype crystal structure, specifically the compounds represented by theformulae (B), (C), and (D) may be mentioned as examples.Li_(a)Mn_(1-b-c)Ni_(b)M¹¹ _(c)O_(2-d)F_(e)  (B)

Here, M¹¹ is at least one kind of an element selected from the groupconsisting of cobalt <Co>, magnesium <Mg>, aluminum <Al>, boron <B>,titanium <Ti>, vanadium <V>, chromium <Cr>, iron <Fe>, copper <Cu>, zinc<Zn>, zirconium <Zr>, molybdenum <Mo>, tin <Sn>, calcium <Ca>, strontium<Sr>, and tungsten <W>, and the values of a, b, c, d, and e satisfy:0.8≤a≤1.2,0<b<0.5,0≤c≤0.5,b+c<1,−0.1≤d≤0.2, and0≤e≤0.1.

However, the composition may differ depending on the state of holdingions, and a is a value in the state in which the ions in the secondelectrode layer and the like are depleted.Li_(a)Ni_(1-b)M¹² _(b)O_(2-c)F_(d)  (C)

Here, M¹² is at least one kind of an element selected from the groupconsisting of cobalt <Co>, manganese <Mn>, magnesium <Mg>, aluminum<Al>, boron <B>, titanium <Ti>, vanadium <V>, chromium <Cr>, iron <Fe>,copper <Cu>, zinc <Zn>, molybdenum <Mo>, tin <Sn>, calcium <Ca>,strontium <Sr>, and tungsten <W>, and the values of a, b, c, and dsatisfy:0.8≤a≤1.2,0.005≤b≤0.5,−0.1≤c≤0.2, and0≤d≤0.1.

However, the composition may differ depending on the state of holdingions, and a is a value in the state in which the ions in the secondelectrode layer and the like are depleted.Li_(a)Co_(1-b)M¹³ _(b)O_(2-c)F_(d)  (D)

Here, M¹³ is at least one kind of an element selected from the groupconsisting of nickel <Ni>, manganese <Mn>, magnesium <Mg>, aluminum<Al>, boron <B>, titanium <Ti>, vanadium <V>, chromium <Cr>, iron <Fe>,copper <Cu>, zinc <Zn>, molybdenum <Mo>, tin <Sn>, calcium <Ca>,strontium <Sr>, and tungsten <W>, and the values of a, b, c, and dsatisfy:0.8≤a≤1.2,0≤b<0.5,−0.1≤c≤0.2, and0≤d≤0.1.

However, the composition may differ depending on the state of holdingions, and a is a value in the state in which the ions in the secondelectrode layer and the like are depleted.

Specific examples of the lithium-containing composite oxides having alayered rock salt type crystal structure include LiNiO₂, LiCoO₂,LiCo_(0.98)Al_(0.01)Mg_(0.01)O₂, LiNi_(0.5)Co_(0.2)Mn_(0.3)O₂,LiNi_(0.5)Co_(0.15)Al_(0.05)O₂, LiNi_(0.33)Co_(0.33)Mn_(0.33)O₂,Li_(0.2)Mn_(0.52)Co_(0.175)Ni_(0.1)O₂, andLi_(1.15)(Mn_(0.65)Ni_(0.22)Co_(0.13))O₂.

As the lithium-containing composite oxides having a spinel type crystalstructure, the compounds represented by the formula (E) may be mentionedas examples.Li_(a)Mn_(2-b)M¹⁴ _(b)O_(c)F_(d)  (E)

Here, M¹⁴ is at least one kind of an element selected from the groupconsisting of cobalt <Co>, nickel <Ni>, magnesium <Mg>, aluminum <Al>,boron <B>, titanium <Ti>, vanadium <V>, chromium <Cr>, iron <Fe>, copper<Cu>, zinc <Zn>, molybdenum <Mo>, tin <Sn>, calcium <Ca>, strontium<Sr>, and tungsten <W>, and the values of a, b, c, and d satisfy:0.9≤a≤1.1,0≤b<0.6,3.7≤c≤4.1, and0≤d≤0.1.

However, the composition may differ depending on the state of holdingions, and a is a value in the state in which the ions in the secondelectrode layer are depleted. Specific examples of thelithium-containing composite oxides having a spinel type crystalstructure include LiMn₂O₄.

Further, as the lithium-containing phosphoric acid compounds having anolivine type crystal structure, the compounds represented by the formula(F) may be mentioned as examples.Li₃M¹⁵PO₄  (F)

Here, M¹⁵ is at least one kind of an element selected from the groupconsisting of cobalt <Co>, manganese <Mn>, iron <Fe>, nickel <Ni>,magnesium <Mg>, aluminum <Al>, boron <B>, titanium <Ti>, vanadium <V>,niobium <Nb>, copper <Cu>, zinc <Zn>, molybdenum <Mo>, calcium <Ca>,strontium <Sr>, tungsten <W>, and zirconium <Zr>, and the value of asatisfies:0.9≤a≤1.1.

However, the composition may differ depending on the state of holdingions, and a is a value in the state in which the ions in the secondelectrode layer are depleted. Specific examples of thelithium-containing phosphoric acid compounds having an olivine typecrystal structure include LiFePO₄, LiMnPO₄, LiFe_(0.5)Mn_(0.5)PO₄, andLiFe_(0.3)Mn_(0.7)PO₄.

Alternatively, as the lithium-containing composite oxides, the compoundsrepresented by the formula (G) may be mentioned as examples.(Li₂MnO₃)_(x)(LiMnO₂)_(1-x)  (G)

Here, the value of x satisfies:0≤x≤1.

However, the composition may differ depending on the state of holdingions, and x is a value in the state in which the ions in the secondelectrode layer are depleted.

Alternatively, examples of the metal sulfide or metal oxide that doesnot contain lithium include TiS₂, MoS₂, NbSez, and V₂O₅.

Besides these, the second electrode layer and the like may contain, forexample, oxides such as titanium oxide, vanadium oxide, and manganesedioxide; disulfides such as titanium disulfide and molybdenum sulfide;chalcogenides such as niobium selenide; sulfur, and electroconductivepolymers such as polyaniline and polythiophene.

Specific examples of the binder in the first electrode layer and thesecond electrode layer include polymer materials such as syntheticrubbers such as styrene butadiene rubber, fluorine-containing rubber,and ethylene propylene diene; and fluororesins such as polyvinylidenefluoride, polyvinyl fluoride, polyimide, and polytetrafluoroethylene,and low-melting-point glass.

The present technology is described below in further detail according toan embodiment.

[A01]<<Current Blocking Element>>

A current blocking element comprising:

a first electrode layer being capable of holding ions as they are, or ina reduced state, or in an oxidized state;

an ion conductive layer having ionic conductivity and not havingelectronic conductivity; and

a second electrode layer being capable of holding ions as they are, orin a reduced state, or in an oxidized state,

the first electrode layer, the ion conductive layer, and the secondelectrode layer being laminated in this order,

wherein, as current is let to flow between the first electrode layer andthe second electrode layer, ions held in one of the electrode layers aremoved to other one of the electrode layers; and

when ions held in one of the electrode layers are depleted or ions heldin other one of the electrode layers are saturated, current flow betweenthe first electrode layer and the second electrode layer is blocked.

[A02]

The current blocking element according to [A01], wherein the ionconductive layer includes a solid layer.

[A03]

The current blocking element according to [A01] or [A02], wherein

the ions are lithium ions;

the first electrode layer contains at least one kind of a substanceselected from the group consisting of metal lithium, a carbon compound,a tin compound, and lithium titanate;

the second electrode layer contains at least one kind of a substanceselected from the group consisting of lithium cobaltate, lithiummanganate, and lithium iron phosphate; and

the ion conductive layer includes a solid electrolyte layer havinglithium ion conductivity.

[A04]

The current blocking element according to [A01] or [A02], wherein

the ions are fluoride ions;

the first electrode layer contains a metal fluoride;

the second electrode layer contains a metal fluoride; and

the ion conductive layer includes a solid electrolyte layer havingfluoride ion conductivity.

[A05]

The current blocking element according to any one of [A01] to [A04],wherein

the first electrode layer is connected to one terminal of a currentcopy-side circuit constituting a current mirror circuit or a currentproportional circuit, and

the second electrode layer is connected to another terminal of thecurrent copy-side circuit constituting the current mirror circuit or thecurrent proportional circuit.

[A06]

The current blocking element according to any one of [A01] to [A05],further comprising a diode for blocking the current flowing in adirection reverse to that of the current flowing between the firstelectrode layer and the second electrode layer.

[B01]<<Current Blocking Element Assembly>>

A current blocking element assembly comprising a first current blockingelement and a second current blocking element,

the first current blocking element comprising:

a first-A electrode layer being capable of holding ions as they are, orin a reduced state, or in an oxidized state;

an ion conductive layer that conducts ions and does not have electronicconductivity; and

a second-A electrode layer being capable of holding ions as they are, orin a reduced state, or in an oxidized state,

the first-A electrode layer, the ion conductive layer, and the second-Aelectrode layer being laminated in this order,

the second current blocking element comprising:

a first-B electrode layer being capable of holding ions as they are, orin a reduced state, or in an oxidized state;

an ion conductive layer that conducts ions and does not have electronicconductivity, and

a second-B electrode layer being capable of holding ions as they are, orin a reduced state, or in an oxidized state,

the first-B electrode layer, the ion conductive layer, and the second-Belectrode layer being laminated in this order,

wherein the second-A electrode layer and the second-B electrode layerare electrically connected;

as current is let to flow between the first-A electrode layer and thefirst-B electrode layer, ions held in one of the electrode layersconstituting the first current blocking element are moved to other oneof the electrode layers constituting the first current blocking element;and

when ions held in one of the electrode layers constituting the firstcurrent blocking element are depleted or ions held in other one of theelectrode layers constituting the first current blocking element aresaturated, current flow between the first-A electrode layer and thesecond-A electrode layer is blocked.

[B02]

The current blocking element assembly according to [B01], wherein

the first-A electrode layer is connected to one terminal of a currentcopy-side circuit constituting a current mirror circuit or a currentproportional circuit, and

the first-B electrode layer is connected to another terminal of thecurrent copy-side circuit constituting the current mirror circuit or thecurrent proportional circuit.

[B03]

The current blocking element assembly according to [B01] or [B02],wherein

the ions are lithium ions;

the first-A electrode layer and the first-B electrode layer contain atleast one kind of a substance selected from the group consisting ofmetal lithium, a carbon compound, a tin compound, and lithium titanate;

the second-A electrode layer and the second-B electrode layer contain atleast one kind of a substance selected from the group consisting oflithium cobaltate, lithium manganate, and lithium iron phosphate; and

the ion conductive layers constituting the first current blockingelement and the second current blocking element include a solidelectrolyte layer having lithium ion conductivity.

[B04]

The current blocking element assembly according to [B01] or [B02],wherein

the ions are fluoride ions;

the first-A electrode layer and the first-B electrode layer contain afluoride;

the second-A electrode layer and the second-B electrode layer contain afluoride; and

the ion conductive layers constituting the first current blockingelement and the second current blocking element include a solidelectrolyte layer having fluoride ion conductivity.

[C01]<<Product Having Current Blocking Element Mounted Thereon>>

A product having a current blocking element mounted thereon, the currentblocking element comprising:

a first electrode layer being capable of holding ions as they are, or ina reduced state, or in an oxidized state;

an ion conductive layer having ionic conductivity and not havingelectronic conductivity; and

a second electrode layer being capable of holding ions as they are, orin a reduced state, or in an oxidized state,

the first electrode layer, the ion conductive layer, and the secondelectrode layer being laminated in this order,

wherein, as current is let to flow between the first electrode layer andthe second electrode layer based on a current in the product, ions heldin one of the electrode layers are moved to other one of the electrodelayers; and

when ions held in one of the electrode layers are depleted or ions heldin other one of the electrode layers are saturated, current flow in theproduct is blocked.

[C02]

The product having the current blocking element mounted thereonaccording to [C01],

wherein a current mirror circuit or a current proportional circuit isfurther provided;

a current reference-side circuit constituting the current mirror circuitor the current proportional circuit is incorporated in the product;

the first electrode layer is connected to one terminal of a currentcopy-side circuit constituting the current mirror circuit or the currentproportional circuit, and

the second electrode layer is connected to another terminal of thecurrent copy-side circuit constituting the current mirror circuit or thecurrent proportional circuit.

[C03]

The product having the current blocking element mounted thereonaccording to [C01] or [C02], further comprising a diode for blocking thecurrent flowing in a direction reverse to that of the current flowingbetween the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer.

[C04]

The product having the current blocking element mounted thereonaccording to any one of [C01] to [C03], wherein the ion conductive layerincludes a solid layer.

[C05]

The product having the current blocking element mounted thereonaccording to any one of [C01] to [C04], wherein

the ions are lithium ions;

the first electrode layer contains at least one kind of a substanceselected from the group consisting of metal lithium, a carbon compound,a tin compound, and lithium titanate;

the second electrode layer contains at least one kind of a substanceselected from the group consisting of lithium cobaltate, lithiummanganate, and lithium iron phosphate; and

the ion conductive layer includes a solid electrolyte layer havinglithium ion conductivity.

[C06]

The product having the current blocking element mounted thereonaccording to any one of [C01] to [C04], wherein

the ions are fluoride ions;

the first electrode layer contains a metal fluoride;

the second electrode layer contains a metal fluoride; and the ionconductive layer includes a solid electrolyte layer having fluoride ionconductivity.

[D01]<<Product Having Current Blocking Element Assembly MountedThereon>>

A product having a current blocking element assembly mounted thereon,the current blocking element assembly comprising a first currentblocking element and a second current blocking element,

the first current blocking element comprising:

a first-A electrode layer being capable of holding ions as they are, orin a reduced state, or in an oxidized state;

an ion conductive layer that conducts ions and does not have electronicconductivity; and a second-A electrode layer being capable of holdingions as they are, or in a reduced state, or in an oxidized state,

the first-A electrode layer, the ion conductive layer, and the second-Aelectrode layer being laminated in this order,

the second current blocking element comprising:

a first-B electrode layer being capable of holding ions as they are, orin a reduced state, or in an oxidized state;

an ion conductive layer that conducts ions and does not have electronicconductivity; and

a second-B electrode layer being capable of holding ions as they are, orin a reduced state, or in an oxidized state,

the first-B electrode layer, the ion conductive layer, and the second-Belectrode layer being laminated in this order,

the second-A electrode layer and the second-B electrode layer beingelectrically connected,

wherein, as current is let to flow between the first-A electrode layerand the first-B electrode layer based on a current in the product, ionsheld in one of the electrode layers constituting the first currentblocking element are moved to other one of the electrode layersconstituting the first current blocking element; and, when ions held inone of the electrode layers constituting the first current blockingelement are depleted or ions held in other one of the electrode layersconstituting the first current blocking element are saturated, currentflow in the product is blocked.

[D02]

The product having the current blocking element assembly mounted thereonaccording to [D01],

wherein a current mirror circuit or a current proportional circuit isfurther provided;

a current reference-side circuit constituting the current mirror circuitor the current proportional circuit is incorporated in the product;

the first-A electrode layer is connected to one terminal of a currentcopy-side circuit constituting the current mirror circuit or the currentproportional circuit, and

the first-B electrode layer is connected to another terminal of thecurrent copy-side circuit constituting the current mirror circuit or thecurrent proportional circuit.

[D03]

The product having the current blocking element assembly mounted thereonaccording to [D01] or [D02], wherein

the ions are lithium ions;

the first-A electrode layer and the first-B electrode layer contain atleast one kind of a substance selected from the group consisting ofmetal lithium, a carbon compound, a tin compound, and lithium titanate;

the second-A electrode layer and the second-B electrode layer contain atleast one kind of a substance selected from the group consisting oflithium cobaltate, lithium manganate, and lithium iron phosphate; and

the ion conductive layers constituting the first current blockingelement and the second current blocking element include a solidelectrolyte layer having lithium ion conductivity.

[D04]

The product having the current blocking element assembly mounted thereonaccording to [D01] or [D02], wherein

the ions are fluoride ions;

the first-A electrode layer and the first-B electrode layer contain afluoride;

the second-A electrode layer and the second-B electrode layer contain afluoride; and

the ion conductive layers constituting the first current blockingelement and the second current blocking element include a solidelectrolyte layer having fluoride ion conductivity.

[E01]<<Current Controlling Method: First Mode>>

A current controlling method in a product having a current blockingelement mounted thereon, the current blocking element comprising:

a first electrode layer being capable of holding ions as they are, or ina reduced state, or in an oxidized state;

an ion conductive layer having ionic conductivity and not havingelectronic conductivity; and

a second electrode layer being capable of holding ions as they are, orin a reduced state, or in an oxidized state,

the first electrode layer, the ion conductive layer, and the secondelectrode layer being laminated in this order,

wherein, as current is let to flow between the first electrode layer andthe second electrode layer based on a current in the product, ions heldin one of the electrode layers are moved to other one of the electrodelayers; and

when ions held in one of the electrode layers are depleted or ions heldin other one of the electrode layers are saturated, current flow in theproduct is blocked.

[E02]<<Current Controlling Method: Second Mode>>

A current controlling method in a product having a current blockingelement assembly mounted thereon, the current blocking element assemblycomprising a first current blocking element and a second currentblocking element,

the first current blocking element comprising:

a first-A electrode layer being capable of holding ions as they are, orin a reduced state, or in an oxidized state;

an ion conductive layer that conducts ions and does not have electronicconductivity; and

a second-A electrode layer being capable of holding ions as they are, orin a reduced state, or in an oxidized state,

the first-A electrode layer, the ion conductive layer, and the second-Aelectrode layer being laminated in this order,

the second current blocking element comprising:

a first-B electrode layer being capable of holding ions as they are, orin a reduced state, or in an oxidized state;

an ion conductive layer that conducts ions and does not have electronicconductivity; and

a second-B electrode layer being capable of holding ions as they are, orin a reduced state, or in an oxidized state,

the first-B electrode layer, the ion conductive layer, and the second-Belectrode layer being laminated in this order,

the second-A electrode layer and the second-B electrode layer beingelectrically connected,

wherein, as current is let to flow between the first-A electrode layerand the first-B electrode layer based on a current in the product, ionsheld in one of the electrode layers constituting the first currentblocking element are moved to other one of the electrode layersconstituting the first current blocking element; and, when ions held inone of the electrode layers constituting the first current blockingelement are depleted or ions held in other one of the electrode layersconstituting the first current blocking element are saturated, currentflow in the product is blocked.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to thepresently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent tothose skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present subjectmatter and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is thereforeintended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appendedclaims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A current blocking element comprising: afirst electrode layer configured to hold ions; an ion conductive layerhaving ionic conductivity and not having electronic conductivity; and asecond electrode layer configured to hold ions, wherein the firstelectrode layer, the ion conductive layer, and the second electrodelayer being laminated in this order, wherein ions held in the firstelectrode layer are moved to the second electrode layer when current isconfigured to flow between the first electrode layer and the secondelectrode layer; and wherein current flow between the first electrodelayer and the second electrode layer is blocked when ions held in one ofthe first and second electrode layers are depleted or saturated.
 2. Thecurrent blocking element according to claim 1, wherein the ionconductive layer includes a solid layer.
 3. The current blocking elementaccording to claim 1, wherein the ions include lithium ions; the firstelectrode layer includes at least a substance selected from the groupconsisting of metal lithium, a carbon compound, a tin compound, lithiumtitanate, and combinations thereof; the second electrode layer includesat least a substance selected from the group consisting of lithiumcobaltate, lithium manganate, lithium iron phosphate, and combinationsthereof; and the ion conductive layer includes a solid electrolyte layerhaving lithium ion conductivity.
 4. The current blocking elementaccording to claim 1, wherein the ions include fluoride ions; the firstelectrode layer includes a metal fluoride; the second electrode layerincludes a metal fluoride; and the ion conductive layer includes a solidelectrolyte layer having fluoride ion conductivity.
 5. The currentblocking element according to claim 1, wherein the first electrode layeris connected to a first terminal of a current copy-side circuit of acurrent mirror circuit or a current proportional circuit, and the secondelectrode layer is connected to a second terminal of the currentcopy-side circuit of the current mirror circuit or the currentproportional circuit.
 6. The current blocking element according to claim1, further comprising a diode for blocking a current flowing in adirection reverse to that of the current flowing between the firstelectrode layer and the second electrode layer.
 7. A current controllingmethod in a product having a current blocking element according claim 1.8. A product having a current blocking element, the current blockingelement comprising: a first electrode layer configured to hold ions; anion conductive layer having ionic conductivity and not having electronicconductivity; and a second electrode layer configured to hold ions,wherein the first electrode layer, the ion conductive layer, and thesecond electrode layer being laminated in this order, wherein ions heldin the first electrode are moved to the second electrode layer whencurrent is configured to flow between the first electrode layer and thesecond electrode layer based on a current in the product; and whereincurrent flow in the product is blocked when ions held in one of thefirst and second electrode layers are depleted or saturated.
 9. Theproduct having the current blocking element mounted thereon according toclaim 8, wherein a current mirror circuit or a current proportionalcircuit is further provided; a current reference-side circuit of thecurrent mirror circuit or the current proportional circuit isincorporated in the product; the first electrode layer is connected to afirst terminal of a current copy-side circuit of the current mirrorcircuit or the current proportional circuit, and the second electrodelayer is connected to a second terminal of the current copy-side circuitof the current mirror circuit or the current proportional circuit. 10.The product having the current blocking element mounted thereonaccording to claim 8, further comprising a diode for blocking a currentflowing in a direction reverse to that of the current flowing betweenthe first electrode layer and the second electrode layer.